Police tear down ‘offensive banners’ on M6 bridges ahead of CCFC clash with Leicester City
Officers from two police forces are teaming up to investigate offensive banners that were draped from M6 bridges before Coventry City’s local derby against Leicester City. One of the banners made reference to the 2018 helicopter tragedy at the King Power Stadium in which the pilot and four passengers, including Foxes owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, were killed in a crash shortly after take-off. The taunts were strongly condemned by Coventry City Football Club[1], which will work closely with West Midlands Police and Warwickshire[2] Police to identify and ban the culprits. “We are aware of offensive banners put up ahead of today’s Coventry vs Leicester match and these have been removed,” a WMP spokesperson said.
“Officers from our specialist football unit are working with Coventry City Football Club and our police colleagues in Warwickshire where the banners were placed to investigate the matter.” The Coventry City FC[3] Police account stressed in a post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter[4], that legislation was in place to cover tragedy chanting, including the displaying of offensive material. In a statement released before the 12.30pm clash at the CBS Arena, the Sky Blues said it would take ‘appropriate action’ against those responsible. “Coventry[6] City completely condemns incidents today which has seen banners being displayed containing offensive content directed at Leicester City Football Club. “Coventry City[7] will work with West Midlands Police[8] to identify those who created and displayed these banners, and take appropriate action against them.
Such behaviour has no place in football or society, and these people are not welcome at our football club, and will be subject to bans.” A Leicester City spokesman said: “The football club notes with disappointment the disrespectful actions of a minority of opposition supporters, mocking the tragic events that deeply affected our club and community. Such behaviour stands in contrast to the values of respect and unity that football should embody.
“We are grateful to Coventry City Football Club and the wider football community who stand with us in condemning these actions and brought this incident to the attention of the relevant authorities. We will work with all parties to support the identification and appropriate response to those involved.” On the pitch, the Sky Blues came from behind to beat the Championship leaders 3-1.
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References
- ^ strongly condemned by Coventry City Football Club (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ Warwickshire (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ Coventry City FC (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ Twitter (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ New picture of gang wanted over robbery in Belgrade Plaza (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ Coventry (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ Coventry City (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ West Midlands Police (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ here. (data.reachplc.com)