The Australian international, who quit Elland Road to join Liverpool in 2003, insists that his choice of club is not disrespectful to the two Leeds fans who were stabbed to death before a UEFA Cup semi-final in Istanbul eight years ago.

Kewell also says that it is 'wrong and discriminatory' to blame Galatasaray for the tragedy.

"I respect everyone's right to have their own opinion on whatever they like, but that does not make their opinion right," he said.

"No one has to agree with my views or my choices, but I think it's only fair and reasonable to allow me and my family to enjoy the same democratic rights as expected by those that have been attacking me over the last few days."

Kewell, 29, signed a two-year deal with Galatasaray at the weekend after spending five injury plagued seasons at Liverpool.

He continued: "To blame the Galatasaray club for the tragedy in Istanbul is simply wrong and discriminatory. This is a club founded in 1905 that has a proud history of striving for sporting excellence and it should be given the same respect as any other football club.

"For me, sport should first and foremost be about the love of your game. But, equally important, is the respect for not only your team-mates, but all those who you compete against.

"For this reason I have always objected to any form of discrimination in any sport – and football in particular, as that is the sport most near and dear to me."

Kewell says he has opted to wear the No 19 shirt for Galatasary next season as a mark of respect for Leeds where he spent the first eight years of his career.

"I chose the No 19 shirt when I signed for Galatasaray as a sign of respect for Leeds because that was the number I got when I first became a regular member of the Leeds United FC starting XI," he said.

"I felt that it might be a way to demonstrate that I had not forgotten where it all started and I was hoping that, in a small way, it would help the healing process of the tragedy that occurred on the 5th of April 2000."

He added: "My love and respect for Leeds United FC and what the club has done for me will never change, no matter what anyone says about me and whatever their motives are.

"My sense of sorrow and sympathy for the families and friends of Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight will always be with me."

Mr Loftus, 35, and Mr Speight, 40, were killed after clashes betweens rival fans in Istanbul the night before the semi-final.

After a lengthy delay in the legal process, a Turkish man, Ali Umit Demir, was jailed for six years and eight months last summer after being found guilty of the fatal stabbings, but is currently free pending an appeal against the conviction.

Four other men were given jail terms ranging from six months to 10 years for their parts in the deaths, but have also been released pending appeals.