Leeds United will observe a minute of applause and dedicate a moment of tribute during Saturday’s Premier League match against Brentford at Elland Road to commemorate the 26th anniversary of the deaths of supporters Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight.
The club confirmed that the tribute will include a minute’s applause before kickoff and a dedication on the stadium’s giant screen in the 26th minute of the match. Family members of both Loftus and Speight are expected to be in attendance. Captains from both Leeds United and Brentford will lay wreaths by the dugout, and Chairman Paraag Marathe and Managing Director Robbie Evans will lay wreaths at the East Stand plaque prior to the start of the game.
Loftus, 37, and Speight, 40, were fatally stabbed in Istanbul on April 5, 2000, while travelling to support Leeds United in their UEFA Cup semi-final match against Galatasaray. Four men were arrested and charged with their murders, according to reports from 2000.
Leeds United is also coordinating with West Ham United to hold a similar tribute ahead of their FA Cup quarter-final match on Sunday, April 5, at the London Stadium. The club stated it is in “positive dialogue” with West Ham to arrange for the laying of two wreaths in front of the away end before kickoff.
The anniversary has become an annual occasion for remembrance among Leeds United supporters, with fans frequently displaying banners and observing moments of silence during matches, including a tribute during last year’s game against Hull City and during the original fixture against Galatasaray in 2000.
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