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Standard Liege fans in hot water over banner

BRUSSELS — The Belgian authorities and the country’s football federation are seeking action against Standard Liege fans who displayed a massive banner showing a drawing of a beheaded Anderlecht player on Sunday, ahead of their weekend match.

The banner showed a drawing of a beheaded Defour. Photo: Getty Images

The banner showed a drawing of a beheaded Defour. Photo: Getty Images

BRUSSELS — The Belgian authorities and the country’s football federation are seeking action against Standard Liege fans who displayed a massive banner showing a drawing of a beheaded Anderlecht player on Sunday, ahead of their weekend match.

The banner reading “Red or Dead” referred to the Standard colours and also showed a drawing of a masked man with a huge knife and the head of Anderlecht midfielder Steven Defour, who used to play for Standard before moving to their arch-rivals Anderlecht.

The display caused much uproar and the Interior Ministry said it is considering sanctions of as much as a five-year stadium ban and a fine of €5,000 (S$7,500). Foreign Minister Didier Reynders called the banner “tasteless, stupid and unacceptable”.

Defour was sent off in the match, which Standard won 2-0. AP

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