Diego Maradona: England started their Euro 2024 journey with their clash against Italy for the UEFA Euro Qualifiers. Around 3000 England fans travelled to Naples to support the Three Lions. In the midst of such safety concerns, an England fan carried a flag that was distasteful in nature and insulting towards Diego Maradona. As soon as the information reached the FA, they canceled the follower’s ticket and promised to take action against him. Follow UEFA Euro Qualifiers LIVE updates on InsideSport.IN.
It has only been a week or so since the horrible clash between fans happened after the Champions League match between Napoli and Eintracht Frankfurt. Since then, more safety concerns have risen as a friendly match between the Italy fans and the England fans was cancelled owing to a threatening email which was sent to an England fan from the Italy ultras. The Italy Football Association took measures to ensure the safety of the England fans travelling for the match.
Even after doing everything, it was expected from the England fans that they would be cautious. However, that did not seem to be the case when an insensible England fan took a picture with a flag which bore the St. George’s cross in the middle and in the white parts the words were written, ‘Diego in a box’ while travelling. The words refer to the death of the beloved superstar and it was quite distasteful.
The UEFA Euro qualifiers match between Italy and England was held at Naples in Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Diego Maradona is hailed as a hero in the city and at Napoli. He scored 115 goals in 259 matches he played for the club. The picture went viral and as soon as the FA’s attention got to it, they put out a statement.
England fans on route to Naples with a ‘Diego’s in a box’ banner 🥲😅 pic.twitter.com/8KvDF3CK6l
— 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 (@thecasualultra) March 23, 2023
The statement read, “We strongly condemn the actions of the individual who travelled to Naples with a flag that had a highly offensive message on it. We immediately took steps to have their tickets cancelled before the match. The matter will be reviewed further when we return to England.”
Many people on social media were enraged seeing the obscenity on the flag. Additionally many were also concerned for all the England fans who travel to Italy for the match as they know that Italian Ultras can be quite violent. It’s fortunate that the FA intervened when they did or if the Italian Ultra saw the man carrying the flag at Naples, the situation could have escalated quite easily and there could even have been casualties.
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