* THE fans of Leeds United were yesterday given a pat on the back --

by Rangers striker Ally McCoist, whose goal at Elland Road ended Leeds'

European Cup dreams, publically praised the Yorkshire supporters.

The packed stadium, devoid of Rangers fans after a ban on away

supporters, rose to a man to applaud their opponents from the field

after they had beaten their heroes, and McCoist sent a letter to a

Yorkshire newspaper praising the Leeds fans.

He wrote: ''I am writing on behalf of my team-mates to thank Leeds

United and their supporters for their most generous applause as we left

the field after our epic game.

''Too many people are ready to knock Britain's football supporters.

Had those people been at Elland Road that night they would have

witnessed true sportsmanship.''