Leyton Orient have joined League One rivals Doncaster in threatening legal action if Leeds get their 15-point penalty reduced.Gary McAllister's Whites appealed against their hefty points sanction for breaking Football League rules on insolvency and will present their case to an independent arbitration panel, understood to be convening in the week starting April 14.

Orient manager Martin Ling told the Daily Mail: "Rest assured that if we finish sixth and lose the final play-off spot to Leeds on a courtroom appeal, we'd be straight back in court and the whole episode would drag on.

"My big gripe with any change now is that we've been involved in a race all season in which Leeds have been 15 points behind us all. Indeed, we've factored that into all our plans."

Doncaster chairman John Ryan recently confirmed he too would consider court action if the final League One standings - his side currently occupy the second automatic promotion slot - are affected by any reduction in Leeds' points penalty.

A Leeds spokesman said: "As long as this matter is resolved by the end of the season the outcome will be decided purely on performances on the pitch which surely must be the right place.

"It is difficult to believe that any club has not tried to win every game this season.

"We are seeking for on-the-field performances to be the only defining factor in terms of promotion and relegation."

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