Kalvin Phillips makes emotional Elland Road visit as Leeds United pay respects twenty years after Istanbul tragedy

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.

And United’s fan-base ensured they still paid their respects in marking the tragedy’s 20th anniversary amidst the current ongoing social distancing measures in the global fight against coronavirus.

At a quiet Elland Road, Whites midfield star Phillips made a quick visit to lay flowers in the memory of the duo as tributes poured in from across the globe on social media.

Families and friends of the pair campaigned for years for justice and in 2010 Ali Umi Demir, Ali Baydar, Suleyman Gokhan Guven and Yilmaz Tutush, who were all initially convicted of the murders, lost their appeal and were sent back to prison to serve sentences totalling 28 years and four months.

United’s fans have been unable to pay their respects to Loftus and Speight stood side by side in the stands with the club’s season currently indefinitely suspended due to the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19.

But Whites managing director Angus Kinnear urged Whites fans to still find a moment to pause for thought in remembrance of Loftus and Speight.

Sure enough, social media was awash with touching tributes as the club’s fans stood firm together behind their phones, tablets and computer screens despite being unable to join each other in person either at Elland Road or in the stands.

Even despite the country currently being on lockdown, a handful of fans still made their way to Elland Road to lay flowers.

“I know that the memories of Chris and Kev live on in the hearts of all Leeds United supporters but this weekend, without a game, we should all take a special moment to remember them and the Speight and Loftus families,” said Whites MD Kinnear.

Whites captain Liam Cooper, Northern Ireland international Stuart Dallas and defender Luke Ayling were among the Whites players to also post their own tributes on social media.

The Leeds United Supports Club said: “Twenty years ago saw the sad passing of Chris and Kev. They are sadly missed and always in the thoughts of all Leeds fans. RIP.”

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