A footage has emerged of two Southampton fans making aeroplane gestures towards rival supporters during the Cardiff City’s 2-1 win at St Mary’s on Saturday.
The match, which saw a minute’s silence observed before kick-off, was the first fixture for Cardiff City since Sala’s death was confirmed following his ill-fated flight from Nantes to Cardiff.
The two men were filmed making airplane gestures during the match in reference to the crash which claimed Sala’s life.
Watch the clip below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrEyTIXw72o
The police, in a statement, said that they had detained the two.
On the other hand, the club said they were taking “an extremely firm stance” over the incident.
“Southampton Football Club can confirm that two fans were detained and had their details taken by police during our match against Cardiff City on Saturday,” reads the statement.
“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.”
Speaking after the match, Cardiff’s manager Neil Warnock said, “We wanted to do it for Emiliano and I’m really proud the lads have done him justice.”
Sala’s body was recovered from underwater wreckage of the plane, which lies at the bottom of the English Channel, earlier this week, but there has been no trace for the pilot’s, David Ibbotson, body.
David Ibbotson’s family has pleaded with well-wishers to help them raise funds towards the body search and recovery.
On 19 January 2019, Sala joined the Bluebirds for three and a half-year deal for a club record transfer fee,reported to be £15 million. The transfer beat the previous club record of £11 million paid for Gary Meddel in 2013.