Tan Kesler and Acun Ilicali’s messages of solidarity, which urged their followers to remember Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight, have been acknowledged by Angus Kinnear.
Leeds United have moved to place on the record their gratitude to the Hull City hierarchy for their messages of support over the tragic deaths of Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight ahead of tonight’s fixture at the MKM Stadium.
The two Leeds fans were killed in Istanbul 23 years ago and the Whites have welcomed the proactive approach from the likes of Tan Kesler and Acun Ilicali at Hull City in encouraging their own fans to remember Chris and Kev.
“We would like to thank Acun and Tan for their messages in recent days, it’s great to see that Chris and Kev are in the minds of custodians of clubs across the country,” Angus Kinnear said in a statement on the Leeds United website.
We are aware that Hull City supporters have flown Turkish flags in the stands ever since Acun purchased the team, so it is wonderful to see the club taking such proactive measures to urge fans to remember Chris and Kev before tonight’s game.
In light of recent high-profile instances of tragic chanting in English football, tonight’s hosts are pleading with supporters to show respect.
Tigers owner Ilicali, who lives and works in Istanbul, used his programme notes to pay tribute to Chris and Kev.
“I may now be an owner of a football club, but first, I am a person who lost his parents at the age of 20 and knows what a loss of life means for a family,” Ilicali said, as per Hull Live.
“As a football fan who has travelled all over the world to watch the game I love, it’s incomprehensible to me that it’s possible not to return home from such a trip. I’d like to pass on the thoughts of everyone at Hull City to Chris and Kev’s family and friends.
“As we welcome Leeds United and their fans to the MKM Stadium, I wanted to echo the sentiments of our vice-chairman, Tan Kesler, and ask our fantastic fans to demonstrate what a true family club we are. Be loud, be proud but please respect our guests.
Football is tribal and passionate, but football is also a family. To both sets of supporters, enjoy the game.”
On Monday, vice-chairman Kesler posted a similar remark on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“We are excited to host families and a fan base affected by the awful events that occurred in Istanbul on April 5, 2000, on Wednesday night. Your support has amazed me ever since I arrived in Hull from Turkey.
“We’ve shared some memorable moments together, and we’re hoping to make more when @LUFC comes to the MKM. I urge you to support your team loudly and enthusiastically. But if you’ll join me, let’s do it right. Be respectful, please. Chris and Kevin.
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