Leeds United issue Ethan Ampadu statement after Galatasaray shirt picture goes viral

Leeds have issued a statement distancing captain from an online image of his son wearing a Galatasaray kit.

The club said the defender was “sensitive to” the potential impact of the picture, which was posted by his former partner, on the families of supporters Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight, on the eve of a UEFA Cup game against the Turkish side.

The statement said: “Leeds 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. The club will be making no further comment.”

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Ampadu, 24, has found a home at Leeds after embarking on four different loan spells away from , for whom he played 12 times after joining from Exeter City as a 16-year-old.

After temporary stints at RB Leipzig, Sheffield United, Venezia and Spezia, he joined Leeds on a permanent basis in 2023, and was a key component of Daniel Farke's side which earned promotion this season after losing out in the playoff final in 2023-24.

Speaking after clinching the Championship title, Ampadu said: "The staff and the players who were at Wembley felt on the bottom of the that day because we didn't achieve what we set out to, so to be put that right, albeit a year too late, is a sweet moment.

"We're a team full of leaders, a team full of characters. We've got a strong mentality. There's been upsets and some games we haven't been happy with but I think it's testament to the lads and the staff to keep going every day no matter the results.

"This club's really special. Everybody who puts on the shirt knows it's a massive honour to play for this club and to represent the city and the fans so to celebrate in front of them and with them made it really special."

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