Saints to ban fans over Sala ‘plane’ mockery

London, February 10 

Southampton have promised to ban supporters involved in mocking the death of Emiliano Sala by making aeroplane gestures during their match at home to Cardiff City.

The Premier League fixture on Saturday was Cardiff’s first since the Argentinian striker’s body was formally identified by an English coroner on Thursday, a day after it was recovered from underwater wreckage in the Channel.

However, after the game video on social media appeared to show two men in the home section of St Mary’s Stadium seemingly making aeroplane gestures in the direction of the away supporters. Southampton confirmed both fans had been spoken to by police and intended to take “an extremely firm stance” over the incident.

“Southampton can confirm that two fans were detained and had their details taken by police during our match against Cardiff City,” said a statement from the club. “The club will continue to work with Hampshire Police to identify any individuals deemed to have made indecent gestures.” — AFP