I may sell pub, says soccer fan's widow

The widow of a Leeds United fan stabbed to death in Turkey may have to sell the family-run pub to survive a financial nightmare.

Sue Speight, widow of Kevin, is facing the grim option of selling the Bay Horse in Town Street, Farsley, to keep her family of three afloat.

Mr Speight, 40, was murdered after being attacked by Galatasaray fans in Istanbul last week.

The cost of his funeral, which takes place on Monday, is just the latest blow to the Speights, said the family's solicitor.

Phillip Howell said: "I talked to Mrs Speight yesterday and discussed the future of the pub.

"It was really run by Kevin. She had little to do with it and does not know how to run a pub. Selling would be a heartbreak, but it something the family has to consider."

The family has leased the Bay Horse for the last 18 months, before which Mr Speight ran a fish and chip shop in the village. The pub has been closed to the public since the murder but could reopen later this week.

Mr Howell said: "Mrs Speight is really just trying to bring some normality back into the lives of her two young children and get on with matters herself.

"Her son George, eight, and daughter Holly, three, are still coming to terms with what has happened to their father. She's doing all she can to protect them."

Leeds United chairman Peter Ridsdale contacted the family to offer his support.

Mr Howell said: "The match against Galatasaray next week is not a factor for them. They've so many other more pressing matters to worry about."

The inquest into Mr Speight's death was due to be opened and adjourned today at the Coroner's Court in Pearl Chambers, Leeds. Five Turkish youths are being held in custody in connection with the deaths of Mr Speight and Leeds man Christopher Loftus.

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