Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu’s ex-partner infuriates fans with photos of his son in Galatasaray shirt – 25 years after two supporters were murdered in Istanbul: Club release statement

Leeds United have rushed to defend club captain Ethan Ampadu after a controversial photo emerged of his son wearing a Galatasaray kit.

Two fans, Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight, were killed ahead of the club’s UEFA Cup semi-final clash against Galatasaray in Istanbul in 2000 and supporters still hold ill feeling towards to the club. 

But yesterday, Ampadu’s ex-girlfriend Saara Sa posted an image of their child in the Turkish club’s kit on X.

Leeds fans criticised the defender with some calling for him to lose the captaincy after the images circulated on social media.

‘He shouldn’t be our club captain anymore,’ one fan wrote on X: ‘Club captain should be more on the nose with anything like that.’

Leeds said they were aware of the image but that the 24-year-old had their ‘full support’.

In a statement the club said: ‘Leeds United are aware of an image circulating online of Ethan Ampadu’s son.

‘Ethan separated from his partner several months ago and has no responsibility for the image in question. Ethan is aware of and sensitive to the tragic loss within the Loftus and Speight families.

‘The club asks for Ethan’s privacy to be respected in what is a difficult time for him personally. Our captain has been a leader on and off the pitch this season, demonstrating his commitment to the club, its history, and the broader Leeds community. Ethan has the full support of everybody at Leeds United.

‘The club will be making no further comment.’

Ampadu was handed the Leeds captaincy ahead of this season and has attended a number of events to commemorate the death of Loftus and Speight.

He was one of the players who laid shirts and flowers in front of Leeds fans, in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the tragedy, when they faced Luton at Kenilworth Road in April.

Ampadu joined Leeds in 2023 after the Yorkshire club had been relegated from the Premier League. 

He had spent eight years in the Exeter City academy before moving to Chelsea in 2017 aged 16. 

That year he made his international debut for Wales and has since gone on to make 54 appearances for Craig Bellamy’s side. 

But he only made 12 appereances for the Blues and was shipped on loan to Sheffield United, RB Leipzig, Venezia and Spezia during his spell at Stamford Bridge. 

The loss of Kevin Speight and Christopher Loftus 25 years ago is still felt incredibly deeply and animosity between the two clubs remains.

Leeds and Galatasaray fans clashed in violent scenes on April 5, 2000 at Istanbul’s Taksim Square.

Following the two tragic deaths, local police arrested and charged four Galatasaray supporters with murder.

Galatasaray fans were banned from attending the second-leg at Elland Road, in a semi-final won by the Turkish side, who went on to win the competition.

Former club legend Harry Kewell previously soured his relationship with Leeds fans after moving to Galatasaray from Liverpool in 2008.

At the time he said: ‘It was a tragic thing in football but we can’t live in the past. I am happy and I hope everyone else can be too.

‘There were a lot of other clubs out there but this is perfect for me. Galatasaray wanted me from the start. The facilities are great. It’s a fantastic city and I’m willing to learn.’

Leeds will return to the Premier League next season after clinching the Championship title with 100 points.