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Police take down grim banners put up on bridges ahead of Coventry v Leicester

Police have been contacted to take down grim banners which were put up on bridges ahead of the Coventry v Leicester game on Saturday.

A number of photos emerged on social media, showing messages left on flags laid out on the ground ready to be put on display for the M69 derby.

But another picture was uploaded, showing one of those banners put on a bridge for Leicester fans to see as they make their way to the ground.

This was quickly brought to the attention of police, who swiftly took it down by 10am on Saturday, with a busy day of patrolling and keeping an eye out for trouble, ahead as the televised game gets underway at lunchtime.

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Coventry City FC Police (@CCFC_WMP) tweeted: “I was hoping there wouldn’t be a need however I feel the minority, I stress minority need a timely reminder. There is legislation in place that covers tragedy chanting, including the displaying of offensive banners #PUSB

“I can confirm they have been recovered and are safely in the boot of my car. Thank you.”

Coventry City issued a statement: “Coventry City completely condemns incidents today which has seen banners being displayed containing offensive content directed at Leicester City Football Club.

“Coventry City will work with West Midlands Police 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.”

Leics Police Events (@LeicsEvents) responded: “👏🏼 👏🏼 Half of them in the boot of our car 🦊”

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.”

Coventry City warned in their matchday guide prior to the game: “Coventry City Football Club in conjunction with West Midlands Police will have a zero tolerance concerning malicious gestures and behaviours at the game.

“The Coventry Building Society Arena is an all-seater stadium.

“Following communication from authorities regarding this, Coventry City and the Arena have been asked to remind Sky Blues supporters that persistent standing is not allowed at the Coventry Building Society Arena.

“Persistently standing for the whole match or for long periods is against ground regulations and may affect the enjoyment of the game for other supporters, whose view may be affected, as well as your safety and the safety of others.

“The Coventry Building Society Arena’s list of items that fans can/cannot bring into the stadium is shown below:

“Glasses
Weapons
Airhorns
Narcotics
Fireworks and Flares
Bottles and Cans
Cameras
Long Umbrellas
Food and Drink
Flagpoles
Smoking and E-Cigarettes
Selfie Sticks
Flags or Banners (larger than 2m x 1m or offensive)
Baby Buggies/Prams
Large Bags/Suitcases
Computer Tablets”

Five months ago, we also saw banners displayed on motorway bridges before Leicester went on to beat Coventry. See more on that HERE.

It comes just a week after Millwall fans were condemned for doing the helicopter gesture at Leicester fans.

A 13 second clip appears to show the moment two Millwall fans reference the 2018 helicopter crash which sadly saw five people lose their lives.

All people on board, the pilot and four passengers, including club owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, were killed with the Air Accidents Investigation Branch attributed the crash to a loss of yaw control owing to a failure of the tail rotor control linkage.

But unfortunately, a number of mindless fans use the incident as a bizarre way to taunt Leicester fans, and having been caught on camera, a ban is expected to come their way.

Two men were ejected from the ground for making “offensive gestures” with Metropolitan Police saying: “They will each be summonsed for an offence under the Public Order Act.

“Enquiries are ongoing to locate a third man in connection with the incident.”

Leicester Police Events, who support Leicester City’s football safety and security, stated that its officers were “aware of the footage circulating”.

“Anyone who engages in making offensive gestures or ‘tragedy chanting’ faces the risk of arrest if caught,” Pc David Stevens of Leicestershire Police said. “Such behaviour has no place in football and we will continue to work with the club to identify those committing such offences.”

The account added: “Thanks to all who got in touch.”

This is how Twitter users reacted as police take down grim banners put up on bridges ahead of Coventry v Leicester…

@5J523: Utterly disgusting. That’s not our club

@Ryan_Parfrey: Real football and Coventry fans don’t do that shit. What idiots!!

@TwDHypersZz: I’ve seen more banners like that. Disgusting from our fans

@adam_liddell: Been some horrible ones floating around, just shows some people are plonkers, in complete contrast to the atmosphere against you lot, I know it’s a derby but bloody hell. #PUSB

@TomSimmonds86: What are they doing 😂😂

@RobJonesPUSB: We’re so much better than this SBA 💙 big rivals yes but let’s show some respect and represent our special city in the best way possible

@njones179: We are better than that. Any knob that does do it though ban them. #PUSB

@danhall86: It’s ridiculous that this needs saying. All for rivalry and the banter. Fair play to the C*v fans calling it out

@Barbs241: Coventry fans have to be up there with the weirdest lot about. Imagine waking up at 6am thinking let’s put some banners on a bridge 😭😭😭 obsessed

@TheSimonGilbert: Seriously though… don’t be those people. #PUSB

@benpilkslyons: And it’s the minority – annoying the village idiot seems to have made an appearance this weekend

@iMeyrick: Offensive or not, imagine having so much time on your hands you can create banners and go hang them up on bridges over the motorway. Have a lie in ffs 😂

@Kedwondo: Sad it even needs saying. Hope a few knobbers don’t embarrass us (& themselves) #pusb

@Skybluek8: How is this even necessary?? Can we please just enjoy the football

@AndySheepy75: There is a line that is clear as day! Do not cross it. #pusb

@trevajct: Disgraceful. Do better Coventry fans. Management should identify and ban these people. Completely unnecessary and poor form.

@ccfcmike1982: Minority trying to drag the good reputation of our club to their level. No place for it at this club! Lifetime bans for all with any luck! Focus on the pitch! Pusb

@RobboCCFC: 👏🏻 absolutely no need for this from certain “fans”! Vile humans #PUSB

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