Leeds Fans Deaths Marked At Club

Last updated : 12 April 2010 By BBC Sport

Chris Loftus, 35, and Kevin Speight, 40, were killed in Istanbul on the eve of Leeds' Uefa Cup semi-final against Galatasaray, on 5 April 2000.

The men's families also met North East Leeds MP Fabian Hamilton as part of their campaign for justice. Mr Hamilton said those responsible for their deaths must be punished.

Several people were arrested and questioned by police in the immediate aftermath of the killings, and four men were later found guilty of involvement in the murders.

However they were released on bail pending an appeal, which has still to be heard.

The families met Mr Hamilton to press the Turkish police and government to do more for their loved ones.

They were joined at the club's Elland Road ground by about 300 Leeds United fans who had gathered to pay their respects.

The campaign has been backed by Leeds United chairman Ken Bates, who has said Turkey's failure to find the killers of two of the club's fans suggests the country is not ready for EU entry.

Mr Hamilton said: "There's a very, very strong feeling, especially amongst the families, that justice has not been done."

He added that no date had been given for the convicted men's appeal hearing.

"This is absolutely appalling and I've been putting pressure on the foreign secretary and on the chief constable of West Yorkshire Police to take some action to pressurise the Turks to actually do something."

The men were also remembered at Monday's League One match between Yeovil and Leeds United, with travelling supporters turning their back for the first minute of play and the Leeds players wearing black armbands.

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport