Huddersfield Town have handed an indefinite ban from the John Smith’s Stadium to the man who unfurled a Turkey flag during Sunday’s game against Leeds.
A 59-year-old man was ejected from the ground after appearing to mock the stabbing of two Leeds fans, who died before a match against Galatasaray in Istanbul in 2000.
“Huddersfield Town can confirm a 59-year-old man was ejected from the Revell Ward Stand,” the club said in a statement. “The individual has been banned from the John Smith’s Stadium indefinitely.
“Huddersfield Town takes incidents of this nature very seriously and will not tolerate this shameful behaviour under any circumstances. This individual is not representative of the club or its supporters.”
Leeds fans were furious when the flag was unfurled during the derby between the promotion rivals. Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight died after being stabbed during clashes the night before Leeds played Galatasaray in the semi-finals of the 2000 Uefa Cup.
West Yorkshire police tweeted on Sunday they had ejected the man responsible for waving the flag.
Following Huddersfield’s 2-1 win both clubs have been charged by the Football Association for failing to “ensure their players and/or officials conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or refrained from provocative behaviour”.
The managers, David Wagner and Garry Monk, have also been charged for their actions. The pair were sent to the stands after the altercation that followed Wagner’s touchline celebrations when Michael Hefele scored Huddersield’s late winner.
“Wagner is subject to two alleged rule breaches in that in or around the 89th minute his behaviour in entering the field of play amounted to improper conduct,” the FA said. “It is further alleged his behaviour upon his return to the vicinity of the technical area amounted to improper conduct.”
Monk’s behaviour is also alleged to have amounted to improper conduct.