Leeds United fans turned their backs in remembrance of Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight during last year's game against Hull City.placeholder image
Leeds United fans turned their backs in remembrance of Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight during last year's game against Hull City. | Getty Images
Sunday, April 5 will mark 26 years since the two Leeds United fans were murdered in Istanbul.
Leeds United have announced their initial Elland Road plans to pay tribute to Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight this weekend and are in positive talks with West Ham United to mark the anniversary of their tragic deaths.
The pair, Leeds United fans, travelled to Istanbul to support their club in European action but were murdered on April 5 2000. It has become Leeds United tradition to pay respect at games close to the anniversary, with supporters unfurling banners and turning their backs to the play as they did during the match against Galatasaray 26 years ago.
In a statement the club confirmed they would use this weekend's match against Brentford to mark the 26th anniversary, with family members of Chris and Kev in attendance, and further tributes will take place on Sunday April 5 when they travel to West Ham in the FA Cup.
The statement read: "As April approaches, it is a time of reflection for all Leeds United supporters as we remember Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight, who tragically had their lives taken from them, whilst away supporting the club on 5th April 2000. This year marks 26 years since they left us.
"At our Premier League fixture against Brentford at Elland Road on Saturday 21st March, we will come together with a minute of applause ahead of kick-off and there will also be a tribute on the big screen in the 26th minute of the match. We are pleased that members of both the Loftus and Speight family will be in attendance at the match against Brentford on Saturday.
“The captains of both Leeds United and Brentford will lay wreaths at the side of the dugout, and chairman Paraag Marathe and managing director Robbie Evans will also lay wreaths at the East Stand plaque ahead of kick-off.
"On the 26th anniversary, Sunday 5th April, Leeds United play West Ham United at the London Stadium (4:30pm) in the FA Cup quarter final. The club are currently in positive dialogue with West Ham United, to pay respects appropriately with the laying of two wreaths in front of the away end ahead of kick-off. Chris & Kev will never be forgotten."
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