LEEDS FANS REMEMBRANCE
By East Leeds Magazine Editorial Staff, February 2010
April 5th this year marks the tenth anniversary of the murders of the two Leeds United supporters in Istanbul before the UEFA cup semi final against Galatasary. Despite the subsequent arrests, despite finding the murder weapon in the home of one of the arrested and a confession, it's fair to say the Turkish legal system has let down Chris Loftus and Kevin Speight. The accused have barely served any time and are free awaiting a third trial which looks more and more remote.
It's less than 30 years since thousands of left wing sympathisers disappeared under the fascist Junta, less than ten years since four people died during celebrations when Turkey finished 3rd in the World Cup. So it could be argued that in a country with a different mentality to over here, life is not valued as highly. And this is where we'd all expect the British Government to step in to pressure their government and legal system. However the support the families originally received has slowly waned.
There was an inquest in Leeds in 2004, where police spotters confirmed no-one was abusing women and defacing the Turkish flag as reported in the Turkish media. Letters sent to the Turkish ambassador remain unanswered. Representations made to UEFA, various government and shadow ministers, as well as the European parliament all point the families back to the Home Office, which in turn reports very little. It seems maintaining good Anglo-Turkish relationships is more important than justice. But as Britain has become one of Turkey's strongest allies concerning their EU application, surely it should be them buttering us up, not the other way round. Surely their government should be out to prove Turkish justice is the equal of other EU countries, that EU citizens can expect to attend a football match in Istanbul without worrying if they will make it home alive. However, attempts to get the results of this inquest included in the prosecution case has come to nothing. As have the attempts by the families to gain access to the files held by the West Yorkshire police under the freedom of information act. West Yorkshire coroner David Hinchcliffe said at the inquest, the Turkish police that night were 'disorganised, uncoordinated, ill prepared, not in control, diabolical.' It seems a pity our government are prepared to accept this as ok and thus descend to the same level.
About 18 months ago family and friends of Kevin and Chris decided to mark the run up to the tenth anniversary by organising a monthly series of charity events leading up to a gala evening hopefully at Elland Road on 3rd April.Leeds Fans Remembrance' helps keep the case in the spotlight and raises money for the Candlelighters charity which focuses on the families of child cancer sufferers, pays for respite breaks and helps out in cases of financial hardship.In the last year, supporters have walked the three peaks, cycled from Leeds to Skipton, held poker tournaments, scooter runs, fancy dress parties, soccer tournaments and race nights. Participants recently took part in the 'Tough Guy Event' at Perton Farm near Wolverhampton, where they were subjected to a two hour, eight mile run involving a 'unique blend of mud, freezing lakes, acrophobia, claustrophobia, barbed wire, fire and electro shocks.' Also planned are children's parties, a ladies walk and Simon Grayson is hoping to put a Leeds eleven, possibly of past and present players to play against a team set up by the Charity. This will hopefully take place at the beginning of March at Farsley Celtics ground.
So from such a tragic event, at least hope and positivity springs for people involved with the Candlelighters Charity. Meanwhile the 'Leeds Fans Remembrance' are trying to get an online petition going, they need upwards of 20,000 signatures, just to get the home office to look at the case again. But if they don't try for Chris and Kevin, who will?
Please Visit: www.leedsfanremembrance.com
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