David O'Leary sends tribute and message to Leeds United fans as former boss recalls Galatasary game dismay

Fans, players and everybody associated with Leeds are paying their respects to Loftus and Speight on the same day in which the two Whites supporters were fatally stabbed 20 years ago in Istanbul.

The duo were both fatally stabbed the night before United’s UEFA Cup semi-final first leg against Turkish side Galatasaray on Sunday, April 5, 2000.

Despite United's objections, the game still went ahead and former team mates of that Whites side Nigel Martyn and Jonathan Woodgate took to social media on Sunday morning to pay their respects and state their dismay that the game was still played.

And speaking on a video message posted by Leeds United on Sunday afternoon, those sentiments were echoed by O'Leary - Whites manager at the time - who also had a message for United's fans in the ongoing battle against coronavirus.

"It's a sad day really," said O'Leary.

"I don't know where the 20 years have gone but I'd like to pay tribute to Kevin and Christopher.

"We still remember you.

"They went on a trip to Istanbul to support their team.

"We always had great supporters with us away from home and the players always appreciated that so on behalf of the Leeds United family really we'd like to pay tribute to Christopher and Kevin.

"We haven't forgotten you and I'd also like to say hello to their parents as well and their family who must be thinking of them today.

"It was a game probably that myself and the players never really wanted to play. We don't know how it was played.

"It had to be played but we played it really for the sake of it.

"We felt so sad going into the game, so sad when we heard the news and when I think back now I don't know how that game was ever played because we didn't want it to be played and it shouldn't have been played.

"May I also add that in these strange times I hope that everyone is staying safe and everybody is helping each other.

"It's the only way we are going to get through this.

"Stay safe and stay well and hopefully when we come through this we can enjoy life and appreciate life a lot better."

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