Anger after fan filmed making ‘plane’ gesture
VIDEO footage emerged last night appearing to show a Southampton fan taunting Cardiff City supporters about the death of Emiliano Sala.
The incident, which was caught on video by a Cardiff fan during yesterday’s game, appears to show the fan making an aeroplane gesture towards the 3,000 supporters in the packed away end at St Mary’s – seemingly making reference to the tragic death of the Argentine striker.
He then appears to be approached by a steward before the video cuts out. It’s not clear what happened next.
The incident has sparked a furious reaction from football fans. Police later said arrests had been made. Hampshire Police’s Football Unit tweeted: “Sad to say more than one arrest today of Saints fans for appalling gestures towards Cardiff fans, we will be working closely with Southampton Football Club to prevent this behaviour at football.”
Southampton FC confirmed the arrests and added: “The club will continue to work with Hampshire Police to identify any individuals deemed to have made indecent gestures towards Cardiff supporters.
“Such behaviour has no place in our game and will not be tolerated at St Mary’s.
“The club will be taking an extremely firm stance against anyone involved and intends to ban those supporters identified.”
It came after Cardiff City joined Premier League fans around the UK by observing a minute’s silence ahead of yesterday’s brilliant last-gasp win.
Players from across the top flight also wore black arm bands as a mark of respect on the first weekend of fixtures since the body of Emiliano Sala was recovered.
The Bluebirds fans paid tribute to the striker with constant chants of “sing a song for Sala” as they watched their side roar to a vitally important victory in the basement battle.
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