The deaths of two Leeds fans in Istanbul in 2000 is an event that will not be forgotten anytime soon. The UEFA Cup semi-final between Leeds and Galatasaray took a back seat after the stabbings of Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight before the first leg of the tie and it's an incident that, understandably, continues to draw strong feelings to this day.
Wesley Sneijder for example, felt the full force of Leeds fans' ire after he was used by Galatasaray for the horribly disrespectful idea of promoting a set of Galatasaray knives on the 15th anniversary of the deaths in Istanbul.
In short, the hatred that Leeds feel for Galatasaray is not to be taken lightly. So when, former Ireland and Leeds striker Noel Hunt celebrated a former teammate scoring his first goal for the Turkish side, the Elland Road faithful didn't take too kindly to it.
Hunt played with Karacan at Reading before leaving for Leeds in 2013. Karacan moved on to Galatasaray last summer and he grabbed his first goal for the club during last night's 4-1 win over Kastamonuspor in the Turkish Cup. Unfortunately for Hunt, the good feeling that he was passing on to Karacan hasn't been taken too well with some fans of his former club.
@boyhunt what a mistake that is you shit prick
— Armo (@Jordan_Armo) January 26, 2016
@boyhunt @Galatasaray @JemKaracan6 he might be a mate but fancy ex Leeds cheering them knife loving murderers.
— rob (@RJM_83) January 26, 2016
@boyhunt Not the wisest tweet ever Noel. To say it's crass isn't all that wide of the mark - unlike you @ #LUFC #galascum #spagandchris #RIP
— Rob LUFC Atkinson (@RobofLeeds) January 26, 2016
@boyhunt Noel you don't do yourself any favors do you bud
— Darlo Dave LUFC (@50Pagga) January 26, 2016
@boyhunt @Galatasaray @JemKaracan6 Fucking fool
— Luke Jackson (@Coolhandcrow) January 26, 2016
@boyhunt @Galatasaray @JemKaracan6 oh dear oh dear,I'm not even a Leeds fan and I know you have fucked up doing this..
— Josh Rowe (@JoshRowe6019) January 26, 2016
@boyhunt @Galatasaray @JemKaracan6 evil club. Monstrous fans. You played for Leeds you should know better
— Utter Fiend (@Silverman1993) January 26, 2016
There was quite a bit more with some stronger language but you get the point. It must be said that there were quite a few fans defending the Waterford man given that there was quite clearly no offence caused and he has since passed on an apology to any Leeds fans that he offended.
Totally sick by congratulating my friend @JemKaracan6 on his first goal for his club!! Nothing to do with who he plays for! Sorry LUFC fans!
— Noel Hunt 🌐 (@Noelhunt20) January 26, 2016
