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Leeds wants Galatasaray fans banned |
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April 9, 2000
LEEDS, APR 8 (AP) - Leeds United on Saturday urged European soccer officials to ban Galatasaray fans from the April 20 UEFA Cup match at Leeds with Galatasaray saying it will request a neutral site if its fans are barred from Leeds' Elland Road stadium. UEFA, the governing body of European soccer, was widely criticized for playing Thursday's first-leg semifinal in Istanbul less than 24 hours after two Leeds fans were stabbed to death in street fighting with Turkish youths. Galatasaray won the match 2-0.
Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale said he was "actively discouraging" Galatasaray fans from attending the April 20 game. Officials from both teams said Turkish fans had already purchased about 1,600 tickets for the match.
"I believe they (UEFA) agree fully with our stance but obviously they have an obligation to consult Galatasaray," said Ridsdale, who talked with UEFA officials on Friday. "From what I am hearing, it is unlikely Galatasaray will cooperate and it is then up to UEFA to make the decision."
"I think given events in Istanbul this week and given some of the photographs of some of the Galatasaray supporters in the newspapers - making gestures after the game and after the incidents which left two of our supporters dead - I do not believe anybody would be served well by Galatasaray supporters coming to Elland Road for the return leg."
Galatasaray confirmed on Saturday it would request a neutral venue for the match if its fans were barred from Leeds.
"Under UEFA rules, if the safety of the fans cannot be guaranteed then the match cannot be played," club official Mete Razlikli said.
"If the chairman of Leeds is saying it is best for our fans not to travel and to stay home, then he is saying their safety cannot be secured. Therefore we shall ask UEFA to look into this matter." Galatasaray officials said they expected UEFA to announce a decision on Monday. |