Scooter farewell to murdered Leeds fan

A floral tribute follows the coffin into church

A convoy of scooter enthusiasts led the cortege at the funeral of one of the two Leeds United fans stabbed to death in Turkey.

Leeds United chairman Peter Ridsdale, manager David O'Leary goalkeeper Nigel Martyn and president Lord Harewood represented the club at the service for father-of-two Kevin Speight.

He was always very generous with his time and his friendship, without ever asking for anything in return

Canon John White

Scooter fan Mr Speight, 40, of Farsley, Leeds, died after suffering multiple stab injuries in an attack in Istanbul on 5 April, the day before United's Uefa Cup semi-final first leg match with Galatasaray.

Hundreds of mourners brought Farsley centre to a standstill, with many unable to fit inside the parish church of St John the Evangelist.

Mr Speight's widow, Susan, broke down in tears as she entered the church.

The pair met when he gave her a lift on his scooter and after a long courtship, they married in 1986.

Mourners brought Farsley to a standstill

Next to the church, the Union flag was flying at half-mast from the Liberal Club and several Leeds United shirts were draped over the balcony.

Flowers in the colours of Leeds United spelled out "Dad" and were taken into the church before the service.

Mr Speight, who ran the local Bay Horse pub, leaves two children, George, seven, and two-year-old Holly.

Canon John White said: "Kevin has given a lot of people much to remember him by."

He said despite being a licensee and a public figure in the community, Mr Speight was a shy person.

Kevin Speight with son George

"However, when he did feel at ease in company, then his sense of fun would come out.

"He was always very generous with his time and his friendship, without ever asking for anything in return, and he made and kept a multitude of friends.

"He was the kind of person to do anything for anyone and he was a keen fundraiser in many a good cause.

"Some of the friends were at Leeds United and both officially and unofficially the club is well represented here today. Some of you may well have been with him in Istanbul and are feeling especially lost.

"It could so easily have been anyone."

Christopher Loftus, 35, of Harehills, Leeds, also suffered fatal stab injuries in Istanbul and his funeral is being held on Tuesday at Leeds Parish Church.

Four men have been charged with the murders of the two Leeds United fans.

Uefa announced on Friday it would to allow Galatasaray only 80 tickets to the return game in Leeds this week, amid fears that there may be further violence.