Kewell was part of the Leeds United which played the Turks in the UEFA Cup semi-final in 2000. Two Leeds fans were killed in Istanbul before the game, leaving some Leeds fans incensed at Kewell's decision to join the club.

The Socceroos skipper has issued a statement to put across his side of the story.

His statement in full is as follows:

To all Leeds Utd Football Club supporters,

My love and respect for Leeds Utd FC and what the club has done for me will never change, no matter what anyone says about me and whatever their motives are.

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 number 19 team shirt when I signed for Galatasary as a sign of respect for Leeds because that was the number I got when I became a regular member of the Leeds Utd starting 11.

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 5th April 2000.

For me, sport should first and foremost be about the love of your game. But equally important is the respect for not only your teammates but all those who you compete against. For this reason I have always objected to any form of discrimination in any sport and football in particular, as that is the sport that is the most near and dear to me.

To blame the Galatasaray club for the tragedy in Istanbul is simply wrong and discriminatory. This is a club founded in 1905 that has a proud history of striving for sporting excellence and it should be given the same respect as any other football club.

I respect everyone’s right to have their own opinion on whatever they like but that does not make their opinion right. No-one has to agree with my views or my choices but I think it’s only fair and reasonable to allow me and my family to enjoy the same democratic rights as demanded by those that have been attacking me over the last few days.