An England fan who travelled to Naples to watch their game against Italy had his ticket ripped up by the FA and is now facing death threats for his offensive flag mocking the death of Diego Maradona.
The Three Lions supporter, whose identity has not been confirmed for his own safety, travelled to the Italian city rich in football heritage ahead of England‘s Euro 2024 qualifier and following an image that appeared on social media prior to the match, has been slammed for “vile” behaviour.
As depicted in several photos, the fan brought a custom flag featuring the St George’s Cross and the words “Diego’s in a box” split across the four white quadrants. Maradona is regularly the subject of England chants due to his infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal in the 1986 World Cup.
Following its circulation online, not only did the Football Association swiftly decide to cancel the man’s ticket but perhaps most concerningly, Napoli and Italy fans have been threatening him and trying to locate his whereabouts, with some even going so far as to seemingly place a bounty on his head.
England and the FA have slammed the fan and warned that further punishment is being considered as part of the investigation into the incident, including a potential permanent ban.
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Speaking in a statement, they wrote: “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.”
The love for Maradona in Italy and Naples, specifically, is beyond measure — akin to his and Messi’s legacy in their home country of Argentina, having helped football club Napoli to their two Serie A titles, a Coppa Italia trophy, an Italian Super Cup and their only European honour (UEFA Cup) from 1984 to 1991.
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A god across the region, his contribution to the club and local culture was so massive that they went on to retire his number 10 shirt, so the offensiveness of his flag mocking Maradona’s death in 2020 goes without saying. It also left a stain on what was a historic night for England and their captain, in particular.
The Three Lions won in Italy for the first time since 1961 and @HKane further cemented himself in the annals of English football history. 🙌⚽️https://t.co/DHl2iTba2x
Manchester-born Lord of the Rings and Titanic actor Bernard Hill dies aged 79
Danny Jones
Manchester actor, best known for roles in Lord of the Rings, Titanic, Shirley Valentine and more, has sadly died at the age of 79.
Born in Blackley near the River Irk, historically part of Lancashire, the familiar British face who often popped up in Hollywood too famously played Théoden, the King of Rohan, in the original trilogy of fantasy films as well as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic.
His death was announced by his agent Lou Coulson via the BBC, who confirmed that he passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A statement from his family is expected soon and tributes are already pouring in online.
It’s with great sadness that I note the death of Bernard Hill. We worked together in John Paul George Ringo and Bert, Willy Russell marvellous show 1974-1975. A really marvellous actor. It was a privilege to have crossed paths with him. RIP Benny x#bernardhillpic.twitter.com/UPVDCo3ut8
Some images bring back a glut of memories and emotions. There are times when it feels like we are all just a pay day away from this. Surely one of the most powerful tv performances ever.
Hill studied at what is now the Manchester School of Theatre, formerly known as the Polytechnic School of Theatre and also went on to appear in the much-loved BBC drama by Alan Bleasdale, Boys from the Blackstuff, back in 1982.
Playing the character of Yosser Hughes – best-known for the line “gizza a job” – the show went on to be awarded a BAFTA for best drama series in 1983 and was ranked as the seventh best TV show ever made on a 2000 round-up by the British Film Institute
He was also due for a big return to TV screens in series two of another BBC hit, The Responder starring Martin Freeman, which begins airing at 9pm this Sunday.
Stuart Everett – family of man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale pay tribute to ‘endearing character’
Daisy Jackson
The family of the man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale in Salford have paid tribute to him after his ‘untimely death’.
After the torso of Stuart Everett was discovered on 4 April, further parts of his body were found in four different areas of the city.
GMP launched an extensive murder inquiry and a huge search effort to correctly identify Stuart and notify his family of his death.
It’s thought the 67-year-old died at an address in Winton at the end of March.
His family have now issued a tribute to his ‘endearing character’ and thanked the public for their messages of support.
In a statement issued through GMP, they said: “We as a family are united in our grief over the devastating news of Stuart’s untimely death and the manner in which he died.
“He was a unique and endearing character who always put his family and many friends first.
“He loved his food his garden his music and a flutter on the horses, we have been overwhelmed with the messages of support and are thankful that so many people thought so much of him.
“He did not deserve to die the way he did and will be eternally missed. R.I.P.”
Two men have been charged with the murder of Stuart Everett.
The searches across Salford at sites at Blackleach Reservoir, Linneyshaw Colliery Wood, Bridgewater Canal, and a house in the Winton area of the city, as well as a warehouse in Bury, are continuing.
GMP is continuing to receive details from the public that may assist these searches. Any further information should be given by calling 101 and quoting log number 2695 of 4 April 2024.
If you would like to remain anonymous, details can be shared via the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.