Offensive Banners Targeting Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Removed Ahead of Midlands Derby

West Midlands Police have swiftly removed offensive banners targeting Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, late owner of Leicester City Football Club, from the M69 motorway prior to the highly anticipated Midlands derby against Coventry City FC.

These disrespectful banners, which were exposed on social media, depicted helicopters along with offensive messages intended to mock Srivaddhanaprabha, who tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash near the King Power Stadium in September 2018.

Upon being alerted about the offensive banners, West Midlands Police promptly took them down from the motorway and issued a warning concerning the relevant legislation.

Coventry City FC Police, a division of West Midlands Police, posted on Twitter, now known as X, stating: “I was hoping there wouldn’t be a need; however, I feel the minority—emphasizing the minority—need a timely reminder. There is legislation in place that covers tragedy chanting, including the displaying of offensive banners.”

Both clubs, Coventry City FC and Leicester City FC, were quick to condemn the abusive behavior and have expressed their commitment to collaborating with the police to identify and take appropriate action against those responsible. This may include imposing bans on anyone found to be involved.

In response to the incident, Coventry City FC issued a formal statement on X, wherein they declared: “Coventry City completely condemns the incidents today which have 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 behavior has no place in football or society, and these people are not welcome at our Football Club and will be subject to bans.”

A Leicester City spokesperson expressed disappointment and stated: “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 behavior 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.”

This is not the first time that banners have been used to mock rival fans in the ‘M69 derby,’ as some Leicester City fans displayed offensive banners on the same motorway following their triumph over Coventry City with a 2-1 victory in August.

West Midlands Police has been actively addressing incidents related to offensive gestures and banners, as last weekend, Millwall supporters were arrested on suspicion of allegedly making gestures mocking the same tragic helicopter crash.

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