Standard Liege fans spark outrage in Belgium over 'beheading' banner
Sunday 25 January 2015 18:47, UK
Fans of Belgian giants Standard Liege have sparked outrage after unveiling a banner showing a mocked-up image of former captain Steven Defour being beheaded.
The banner, which was unfurled in the game with bitter rivals Anderlecht, showed a masked man holding a blood-soaked machete in his right hand and the severed head of Defour in the other.
It was accompanied by the words "Red or Dead" referring to the colour of Standard’s kit.
Defour, who led the club to two Belgian league titles in a five-year stint, joined Anderlecht earlier this season after three years with Portuguese club FC Porto.
The midfielder appeared to react to the banner by kicking the ball into the home fans and was promptly sent off, while Standard went on to win the match 2-0.
Bob Madou, the Belgian football federation's communications chief, wrote on Twitter: “This banner was in bad taste and unacceptable to Standard and Anderlecht.
"There is nothing in the rules against it but we will see what we can do about it."
Thibault De Gendt, the director of the tournament, condemned the actions of Standard’s fans.
"It was disgusting and this took place in front of children,” he said.
“We hope never to see this again.”
