MICHAEL SHEEN - CLOUGH FAMILY BOYCOTT DAMNED UNITED PREMIERE

CLOUGH FAMILY BOYCOTT DAMNED UNITED PREMIERE

The family of Brian Clough have boycotted the premiere of Michael Sheen's new film The Dammed United.

The film is based on David Peace's novel documenting Clough's ill-fated time in charge of Leeds United, which lasted just 44 days.

The makers of the film told reporters they hoped the football manager's family would eventually watch the film once it's released.

Director Tom Hooper insisted his film represented a balanced portrait of the manager and Clough's family had been invited to read the script and watch early versions of the film.

"We tried to make the film as balanced as possible," he said at the film's premiere in London's Leicester Square last night.

"I think it's an affectionate portrait of the man.

"I would like them [Clough's family] to see it one day and if they do I hope they realise that we are very fond of Brian Clough."

Sheen, who plays the charismatic manager in the film, said he appreciated the family's concerns.

"If it was my family or a member of my family, I would feel the same way," he said.

"If they come and see the film they will see it's incredibly different to the book and it's an affectionate portrayal of the man."

The Damned United will open across the UK on March 27th.