"You may like Erling Haaland applauds travelling Leeds fans at the Etihad Stadium earlier this season (Image credit: Getty Images) Leeds supporters on social media spotted something in the big Norwegian's goal celebration that was a subtle gesture to the Yorkshire club's fans. As the Manchester City striker peeled away to celebrate following his opener against Galatasaray, Haaland pounded his chest with his fist, a gesture Leeds supporters have adopted as their own 'Leeds salute'."
"The significance of Haaland's celebration gesture against Galatasaray appears to have been a reference to two Leeds supporters killed in Istanbul by Galatasaray supporters in April 2000. Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight were murdered before Leeds' UEFA Cup semi-final tie against the Turkish club when Galatasaray fans attacked Leeds fans in the capital city. Each year, a memorial service is held in early April, commemorating the two men, which is attended by Leeds'"
Manchester City beat Galatasaray 2-0 at the Etihad to qualify for the last 16 of the 2025/26 Champions League, with Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki scoring. Haaland celebrated his opener by pounding his chest, a gesture that Leeds supporters have adopted as the 'Leeds salute'. Haaland was born in Leeds while his father Alf-Inge played at Elland Road and has shown an affinity for the club, including being seen in Leeds-branded shorts. The chest-pound celebration appears linked to the 2000 Istanbul killings of Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight, commemorated annually.
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