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.
The middle caption roughly translates to: ‘1000 euros for this c***’s life’
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 United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/YuwjMXKgxn
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
Danny Jones -
24th March 2023 
