Call for international football protocol as coroner lashes Turkish police over dead fans

A CORONER called yesterday for international football matches to proceed only if police from both countries involved are satisfied adequate precautions have been taken to protect fans.

West Yorkshire coroner David Hinchliff also heavily criticised Turkish police for their handling of violence which erupted when Leeds United travelled to Istanbul, leaving two Leeds supporters dead.

Kevin Speight, aged 40, and Christopher Loftus, aged 35, died from stab wounds received during clashes between fans ahead of a Uefa Cup match against Galatasaray in April 2000.