Coventry City and Leicester City condemn offensive banners ahead of match

Coventry City and Leicester City have condemned the behaviour of fans who put up offensive banners over the M69 targeted at Leicester fans, ahead of their Midlands derby on Saturday.

Coventry said it was working with West Midlands Police to "identify those who created and displayed these banners".

The club promised to ban anyone found responsible.

Leicester said the banners mocked "the tragic events that deeply affected our club and community".

The banner referenced the helicopter crash that killed the Foxes' former chairman and four others in 2018.

The Leicester spokesperson added: "Such behaviour stands in contrast to the values of respect and unity that football should embody."

The Sky Blues echoed that, saying such behaviour "has no place in football or society".

The teams are due play each other in the Championship at the CBS Arena and the Leicester City statement said the club was grateful to Coventry City "and the wider football community who stand with us in condemning these actions and brought this incident to the attention of the relevant authorities".

West Midlands Police said it had removed the offensive banners and a spokesperson posted on X: "I was hoping there wouldn't be a need however I feel the minority, I stress minority need a timely reminder.

"There is legislation in place that covers tragedy chanting, including the displaying of offensive banners."

Last weekend, Millwall supporters were arrested on suspicion of allegedly making gestures mocking the same helicopter crash.

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