Leeds boss Ken Bates in plea for justice on fans murdered 10 years ago

The businessman said Turkey should be banned from entry to the European Union until the killers of Leeds United fans Chris Loftus and Kevin Speight were jailed.

The men were stabbed in the Turkish city on the eve of the Yorkshire club's Uefa Cup semi-final against Galatasaray on April 5, 2000.

No one has ever been brought to justice for the killings.

Mr Bates spoke as fans and players paid tribute at Elland Road today to the men, and their families launched a new campaign for their lost loved ones.

Speaking on the club's website, he said: "We were holding a minute's silence before the Swindon match and it was silence not applause because we were mourning their lives after they were murdered in Turkey.

"I would use the word murder because that's what it was.

"I've read a lot about it, and about what happened in the bar area where the Turkish thugs were following the Leeds fans.

"Where were the police? What were they doing? It's supposed to be a pretty tough state - why was it allowed to get out of hand?

"And why after 10 years is there no justice? It doesn't make sense.

"It would suggest Turkey is not ready to be admitted to the EU and maybe that's something the campaigners should focus on.

"It would concentrate the authorities minds, because if the country cannot hand out European justice ..."

Fans laid bouquets and wreaths at the foot of the Billy Bremner statue outside the ground, and tied hundreds of yellow and white daffodils and scarves to the Elland Road gates.

Both teams wore black armbands and Leeds stars Richard Naylor and Jonny Howson laid wreaths beside the pitch, as a collection was made for Leeds-based cancer charity Candlelighters.

The families will lay wreaths of their own at the statue on Monday, the 10th anniversary of the men's deaths.

They are then to meet Leeds MP Fabian Hamilton to press the Government and police to do more to see justice is done.

Mr Loftus's brother, Andy, told the BBC: "It's just been a nightmare.

"It's affected us quite badly. I've got children that occupy my time but my mother and father, they're retired now and this is all they ever think about."

The two Leeds fans will also be remembered ahead of Monday's clash at Yeovil.

Travelling Whites supporters will turn their backs for the first minute of play at Huish Park, while Leeds players will wear black armbands in both matches.

Peter Ridsdale, the Leeds chairman at the time, told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "Some things that happened ages ago are etched in your memory as if they were yesterday.

"It was just the most amazingly awful experience. I don't mean for me, this wasn't about me, it wasn't about Leeds United, it was about the families of two individuals who should never, ever have lost their lives."