It didn’t take long for a simple photo to ignite a heated debate among Leeds United fans.
The picture, shared by Ethan Ampadu’s ex-partner Saara Sa, showed their young son wearing a Galatasaray football shirt.
For many Leeds supporters, that image struck a nerve — and some quickly voiced their anger online.
The History Behind the Tension
To understand why this photo caused such a stir, you have to go back to the year 2000.
Leeds fans still remember the tragic deaths of Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight, two supporters who lost their lives ahead of a UEFA Cup semi-final against Galatasaray in Istanbul.
The heartbreak and resentment towards the Turkish club have lingered for over two decades.
So when fans saw the photo of Ampadu’s son in a Galatasaray jersey, some reacted with frustration, questioning whether their captain was the right man to lead the club given this sensitive history.
Leeds United Stands Firm Behind Their Captain
But Leeds United quickly stepped in to defend Ampadu, making it clear that he has their full backing. The club explained that Ethan had separated from Saara months ago and wasn’t responsible for the photo.
They also emphasized how seriously Ampadu takes the tragic history involving Loftus and Speight’s families.
In an official statement, Leeds said: “Ethan is aware of and sensitive to the tragic loss within the Loftus and Speight families.
Our captain has shown tremendous leadership both on and off the pitch this season and has the full support of everyone at the club.”
The club also requested that the player’s privacy be respected during this difficult time and said they wouldn’t be commenting further.
Ampadu’s Leadership and Commitment to Leeds
Ethan Ampadu was made Leeds United captain at the start of this season.
Beyond his performances on the field, he has been actively involved in commemorative events honoring Loftus and Speight.
In April, he participated in a ceremony at Kenilworth Road, laying shirts and flowers in memory of the two fans on the 25th anniversary of their tragic deaths.
From Youth Academy to Leeds Captain
Ampadu’s journey to becoming Leeds’ captain is an interesting one.
He joined Leeds in 2023 after the club had been relegated from the Premier League.
Before that, he spent eight years developing in Exeter City’s academy and later moved to Chelsea at 16.
Although he made his international debut for Wales the same year he joined Chelsea, his time at Stamford Bridge included loan spells at Sheffield United, RB Leipzig, Venezia, and Spezia, as he found limited first-team opportunities.
The Lingering Rivalry Between Leeds and Galatasaray
The animosity between Leeds and Galatasaray fans is deep-rooted, stemming from the violent clashes and tragic deaths in Istanbul’s Taksim Square in 2000.
Local police charged four Galatasaray supporters with murder after those events, and the Turkish fans were banned from attending the return leg at Elland Road.
This rivalry has cast a long shadow over interactions involving the two clubs, fueling the sensitivity surrounding anything linked to Galatasaray among Leeds supporters.
Past Controversies Highlight the Rivalry’s Impact
The tension even affected former football stars. Harry Kewell, a Leeds legend, strained his relationship with Leeds fans when he signed for Galatasaray in 2008.
At the time, he urged people to move on from the past, but many supporters found it hard to accept.
Looking Ahead for Leeds United
Despite the recent controversy, Leeds United has much to look forward to.
The club recently secured promotion back to the Premier League, topping the Championship with a stellar 100 points.
As Leeds prepares for its return to the top flight, the focus remains on unity and moving forward — with Ethan Ampadu continuing to lead the team both on and off the pitch.