Emag.co.uk Entertainment News Leader
An England fan was banned from entering the Euro 2024 qualifier in Italy after displaying an offensive message on a St George’s Cross flag. The fan’s flag carried the message “Diego’s In A Box,” which refers to the late Diego Maradona, the former Napoli legend who passed away in 2020. The message was also chanted by a few away fans during the first half of the game, which England won 2-1. Maradona is beloved in Naples for leading Napoli to two league titles and the UEFA Cup, and the city’s stadium is named after him.
Local fans quickly took to social media to track down the fan who displayed the offensive message, and the Football Association (FA) acted quickly to cancel his ticket before the match. In a statement, the FA condemned the fan’s actions, calling the message “highly offensive.”
Prior to the match, Italian police in riot gear escorted England supporters outside the stadium, with some footage showing fans arguing with the authorities on social media. The incident highlights the need for fans to show respect and sportsmanship while attending matches, especially when visiting a city where a deceased football icon is revered. The swift action by the FA in cancelling the fan’s ticket demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that such incidents are dealt with in a prompt and appropriate manner.
