Silence for killed Leeds fans

A minute's silence is to be held for murdered Leeds United fans Chris Loftus and Kevin Speight when the team plays its first league match since the killings on Sunday.

Their opponents, Aston Villa will also join Leeds in wearing black arm bands for the Premiership clash.

Aston Villa manager John Gregory said: "What happened was very disturbing. You don't go to a football match and expect not to come home."

I am sure our supporters will respect the minute's silence and that there won't be any stupid taunting.

John Gregory
Aston Villa manager

The two fans were killed in Istanbul on Wednesday - the eve of Leeds Utd's Uefa Cup semi-final first leg match against Galatasary.

Leeds fans and officials were outraged after the match - which they lost 2-0 - because the Turkish outfit did not wear black armbands as a mark of respect and the club's fans jeered while a message of condolence was read out.

The Villa manager said: "We will be wearing armbands in honour of the two fans who died as a mark of respect and there will be a minute's silence as well.

"I am sure our supporters will respect the minute's silence and that there won't be any stupid taunting."

Kevin Speight with his son George

Eighteen people have been arrested in Turkey in connection with the deaths.

One of them is said to have confessed to police, and admitted to reporters, that he took part in one of the stabbings although charges are not expected until next week.

Uefa is considering a request from Leeds United that Galatasaray fans are banned from the second leg game at Elland Road on 20 April.

But Turkish officials say they will demand the game is played at a neutral venue if Galatasaray fans are banned from Leeds because the club cannot guarantee their safety.

Leeds go into Sunday's match at Villa Park in second place but with third placed Leeds closing in on them. Aston Villa, meanwhile will go sixth if they win.