Former Leeds United team mates Jonathan Woodgate and Nigel Martyn stand firm together on tragic Istanbul regret

Whites fans Loftus and Speight were both fatally stabbed the night before United’s UEFA Cup semi-final first leg against Turkish side Galatasaray in Istanbul on Sunday, April 5, 2000.

The game still went ahead the following evening and former team mates Woodgate and Martyn both took the social media 20 years on from the tragic events to express their disapproval at the game being played.

Goalkeeper Martyn and centre-back Woodgate both played the full 90 minutes of the first leg in which Galatasary recorded a 2-0 victory.

The Turkish side then progressed to the final after drawing the second leg at Elland Road 2-2 two weeks later.

Writing on Twitter, Martyn said: "Absolute tragedy, went to watch their team and were taken from their families, it’s still my biggest regret in football that we played the next day ,even if they kicked us out for not playing."

Writing on his Instagram page, former Whites defender and now Middlesbrough boss posted a team photo of Leeds before the clash at Galatasary and said: "Twenty years ago. The game that should never have been played. Kevin and Chris - never forget, MOT."

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