Leeds United release a statement after a photo of Ethan Ampadu’s son in a Galatasaray kit emerged online this week.
A photo of the youngster wearing the Turkish club’s home kit had been posted onto social media by Ampadu’s ex-partner.
The Championship title winners have since statement that the club captain is ‘aware of and sensitive to’ the tragic murder of Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight.
The two Leeds fans were murdered in Istanbul in 2000 on the eve of their club’s UEFA Cup game against Galatasaray.
Club Statement: Ethan Ampadu
— Leeds United (C) (@LUFC) May 16, 2025
Baby Ampaa @ethanamp26 🥹🤍 pic.twitter.com/sCzR9edtSS
— Serra (@serrasaa) May 15, 2025
Best day for our lil family 🥹🤍 #LeedsUnited pic.twitter.com/PRlULV4QtU
— Serra (@serrasaa) May 16, 2025
A club statement read: “Leeds United are aware of an image circulating online of Ethan Ampadu’s son.
“Ethan separated from his partner several months ago and has no responsibility for the image in question. Ethan is aware of and sensitive to the tragic loss within the Loftus and Speight families.
“The club asks for Ethan’s privacy to be respected in what is a difficult time for him personally.
“Our captain has been a leader on and off the pitch this season, demonstrating his commitment to the club, its history, and the broader Leeds community.
“Ethan has the full support of everybody at Leeds United.
“The club will be making no further comment.”
She has since said: “My condolences are with the families of the two people who passed away in Istanbul.
“I am Turkish and our son is part Turkish. Galatasaray is my families supporting home team and has been for years. We are the parents of our child and Ethan was aware of the photo.
“I would appreciate if Leeds United football club would not portray a false narrative by making a statement stating lies.”
Twitter users have since reacted as Leeds United release a statement after an online photo of Ethan Ampadu’s son in a Galatasaray kit…
@richardboxy: All those idiots on here calling Ethan a rat and to be sacked need to hold their heads in shame!! Wait for the facts next time before slagging players off for something out of their control!!! #lufc
@_Will_c_82: Imagine how he feels. People jumping all over our club captain. 🤢
@JackEdHarrison: Well done to the club for clearing this up quickly. #lufc
@MultiJono88: Glad the club have addressed this quickly. Knew it would be nothing intentional on his part #lufc
@RyanJDay: Some of the stuff I’ve seen Ampadu called was fucking ridiculous. People jumping to conclusions due to a post on the internet. Glad it’s been cleared up he didn’t deserve abuse
@hopey550: Imagine calling for Ampadu to lose his captaincy this morning over this 🤣
@JWood180: The fact a statement has to be released because 1 adult posted pictures and tagged another adult who had nothing to do with the decision to make the post is fucking pathetic. Anybody with an IQ above room temperature would know our CAPTAIN wouldn’t approve of said post #LUFC
@holly_lufc: He can’t control what she posts but fucking hell 🫠
@MOTweets1919: As if we’ve had to do a full on statement for this but fair play. Knocks it on the head. He’s a top fella and always was MY CAPTAIN
@JoshuaMakin_: Fan base can be thick as fuck at times. Awful they’ve had to come out and clarify this as if our club captain would happily approve that post
@tnekmail: Skipper 💛💙 A sensible, level headed reaction from the Internet maybe too much to ask for, but it’s probably what’s needed here.
@AdamOzzy: The fact the club have had to put a statement out is pathetic really. Carrying such vitriol for a child wearing a shirt regardless of the contact is a bit sad really. Anyone with half a brain can see there was no ill intent. #lufc
@_WestHamReport: Good to see the club and fans sticking by him. Toxic and spiteful ex partners can often twist the words and image of the best of us. Glad common sense won this one.
Ethan Ampadu sings x-rated Willy Gnonto chant that Leeds once urged fans to change lyrics of
@Shortieyates04: I would like to think it was an honest mistake and not posted out of spite to be a prick but I guess we’ll never know. Either way it’s not Ethan’s fault.
@LewisDeighton17: Sad that the club have had to declare this tbh.
@DaveKWilliams: Mad that this statement is even required. Get that cone back on your head, Amps, and enjoy your summer. 🤍🏴 #lufc
@KevFieldMusic: All Ampadu Aren’t We
@MacciesBreakie: All the idiots calling for Ampadu to be kicked out of the club can do one, his ex posted the picture ffs. Instead of looking for things to moan about, just take time out to enjoy the fact we are CHAMPIONS moments like this don’t happen every season, so enjoy it while you can MOT
@southstandjoe: Isn’t Ampadu’s fault. Read the statement first before making any comments, it wasn’t in his control.
@TomRalph1: If anyone thinks Ampadu should be stripped of the captain’s armband, or be fined, or even sold, will have to go through me first. I love that guy and a stupid, vindictive post by his ex does nothing to change that. #LUFC
@BielsaLUFC: A quick, and to the point response. Clears up that it’s nothing to do with Ethan at all and that he understands the sensitivity. The club won’t be / don’t need to be commenting further, and neither do we.
@AllDayLUFC: Glad to club have come out quickly regarding this. Jumping to ridiculous opinions is never a good idea. Ampadu has been an excellent role model at the club, and made captain after just a year. #LUFC
We love you @ethanamp26 🤍 pic.twitter.com/Ez16ef3HMi
— Oliver White (@OliWhiteMOT93) May 16, 2025
