Leeds win argument over ban on fans

To a huge collective sigh of relief from all concerned, UEFA yesterday banned Galatasaray supporters from the second leg of Leeds United's UEFA Cup semi-final at Elland Road next Thursday night. The long-awaited announcement came on day four.

Reports yesterday said that four Turkish men had been charged with murder following the stabbings of Kevin Speight and Christopher Loftus in Istanbul last Wednesday week.

Galatasaray had been lobbying UEFA to either have the tie played behind closed doors if their fans were not going to receive tickets, or to have it moved to a neutral venue, but UEFA have decided to adopt the policy Leeds wanted.

UEFA did so in consultation with Leeds, the English FA and West Yorkshire police. The police stressed that while they could ensure the Galatasaray fans' safety inside Elland Road, they could not do the same outside the ground and in the city centre. Even without Galatasaray fans, West Yorkshire say police numbers will be greater than for the visit of Manchester United.

"In reaching its conclusion, UEFA was aware that the decision would not meet unanimous approval but decided to cancel the sale of tickets to Turkish supporters," the UEFA statement said, adding that the areas to which the tickets relate will "in principle" now remain empty.

"However, the 80 complementary tickets allocated to Galatasaray SK may be distributed by the Turkish team to persons who, in the opinion of the club, will behave in a dignified and restrained manner. They, along with directors, players, staff and media representatives, will be regarded as Galatasaray SK's official party.

"Leeds United AFC will be instructed to ensure that the local police authorities do everything possible to guarantee the safety of the Galatasaray SK official party," the statement continued.

Any "independent" Turkish supporters who reach the ground bearing a valid ticket will be escorted to the area originally reserved for the 1,750 Galatasaray fans.

UEFA proposed that both teams and the match officials should wear black armbands and that the game should be preceded by a period of silence.

The statement also stressed that UEFA attach no blame to Galatasaray for the deaths of Speight and Loftus and pointed out that the match in Istanbul was played without any incidents.

"Leeds United AFC have also expressed their satisfaction at being treated properly and respectfully by Galatasaray SK and will do everything in their power to ensure that representatives of the Turkish club are treated with the same respect in Leeds," the statement went on.

UEFA also warned against any more "partisan and inflammatory comment" from the clubs or media and asked them to make safety at the game a priority. The statement also pointed out that a recent fine on Leeds was automatic for a team which had four or more players cautioned in a match and not part of any attempt to "persecute" the club.

On its decision about next week's game, UEFA left no room for Galatasaray to appeal.

Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale was conscious of the small Galatasaray party which will attend the match when he gave his reaction. "We are delighted with the decision," Ridsdale said. "I hope there won't be a backlash from Galatasaray. We have said since the events in Istanbul that it would be better for everybody if we could guarantee that there would be no further incident. This decision confirms that.

"What we now have to do is get on with organising the game and make sure those people who do come from Galatasaray are afforded the appropriate hospitality. After all the events of the past seven or eight days we have not even thought about the football match. We have thought about the safety of supporters and, of course, the families of Kevin and Chris.

"Now we will have to get our minds on a football match. But the result seems secondary somehow to everything that has taken place. I am just keen to make sure the game takes place safely and securely so we can put it behind us."

Ridsdale's measured response found some echo in Istanbul, although there were as many voices upset at UEFA's decision. One, the deputy chairman of Galatasaray, Mehmet Cansun, said: "The decision taken is one which is unacceptable and carries double standards."