Jermaine Beckford has issued an apology to Leeds fans on Twitter for a gaffe involving Harry Kewell.
What’s the story?
Well, Beckford – who scored 85 goals in 152 appearances for for Whites – enraged supporters on Twitter after naming Kewell in his all-time Leeds XI.
As you will know, Kewell tarnished his reputation at Elland Road after joining Galatasaray in 2008.
The Australian played for Leeds when two of the club’s fans – Chris Loftus and Kevin Speight – were murdered in Istanbul before a UEFA Cup semi-final against the Turkish side in April 2000.
As a result, Galatasaray instantly became hated by Leeds supporters, who were absolutely furious when Kewell opted to join the Süper Lig side.
One fan wrote “you’d think Beckford would know better” on Twitter after seeing the 39-year-old’s all-time Leeds XI.
The Leeds fan favourite then moved to ease those who were frustrated at his inclusion of Kewell, writing the following on Twitter.
“I completely understand the back lash because of what happened next. However it was only based on footballing ability during their time at Leeds (nothing else!) Also it was only during the Premier League era. Dacourt and Batty were extremely close by the way!! Forgive me?”
You can see Beckford’s tweet in full below.
Of course, Kewell was a talented footballer, although Beckford was always risking the wrath of Leeds fans by including the 44-year-old in his all-time XI.
What Kewell said about joining Galatasaray as he makes Beckford’s Leeds XI
At the time of his move to Galatasaray, Kewell addressed the anger from Leeds fans.
In an open letter to Leeds supporters at the time of his transfer, Kewell wrote: “My sense of sorrow and sympathy for the families and friends of Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight will always be with me.
“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 starting XI. 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.
“To blame the Galatasaray AS club for the tragedy in Istanbul is simply wrong and discriminatory.”
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