TRANMERE SLOGAN COVERED OVER FEAR IT COULD BE RACIST
THE sensitive FA covered up a banner displaying the words ‘Super White Army’ in the stands at Tranmere when England’s women played Russia because they feared it had racist connotations. FA officials decided to hide the sign before Tuesday night’s match which was played against the backdrop of allegations of racism against manager
Mark Sampson. He was sacked the day after the 6-0 win — the opening game of England’s World Cup qualifying campaign — for separate allegations of inappropriate relationships with female players while he was a coach at Bristol Academy. The FA were made aware of the banner after England right back Lucy Bronze, who is white, posted a picture on social media of the England players training at Tranmere’s ground Prenton Park. Bronze captioned the picture ‘Super White Army’, which is how Tranmere fans refer to themselves because their team wear white shirts. However, Bronze was widely criticised on social media by people who suggested the caption could be seen as racist, with the England team including black players. And the FA decided to cover up the banner. Tranmere Supporters’ Club chairman Mark Bartley said: ‘It is not remotely racist — it is simply a reference to the white shirts. We are proud of our club colours, as are all fans up and down the country.’ The FA declined to comment.