Need Explanation: Why Confederate Flag @ Old Trafford during the game?

[Brady24]

Need Explanation: Why Confederate Flag @ Old Trafford during the game?...Just curious..seems odd, thanks.

[MtP07]

Because the South stand will rise again!

;) :p

[LA. MAN UNITED]

RED(neck) DEVILS?

[LA. MAN UNITED]

Seriously, can someone explain??

[Dark Savante]

The American Civil War is not much of an issue here, as in, not many truly understand the meaning of a Confederate flag and outside of the Dukes Of Hazzard probably haven't seen one in their lives in anything put passing.

Most schools here study English, British and European history in great detail and give very brief overviews of American history until at least ages 16-18, which is college age here prior to university. Even then, unless a student is specializing in history, they're not really going to have much exposure to anything like that.

I can't speak for the guys who had the flag, maybe they aren't ignorant to its meaning, but if you were to ask me, I'd bet they'd have no clue of the symbolism of the flag.

I think it'd be similar to asking your average American to comment on the troubles in Ireland or the troubles of the Old Firm - odds are most would be clueless and could easily bandy about flags of support for either side, having no clue what the symbolism of what they're holding in their hands is. Or even, holding the Union Jack and having a shaved head.. who here knows what that would symbolise?

Hope this clears it up somewhat.

[Motterman]

Let's have a poll, DS...

What is worse:

Seeing 1 Confederate Flag out of hundreds of other flags...

Consistent death threats against players when they don't sign for you initially or against referees when you get knocked out of Europe...

[Charleysurf]

In Irish (Gaelic) sports, Cork wear red, and you will often see their fans at matches with confederate flags. There's no political meaning to it, just the fact that the flag is predominantly red and is seen as an American icon. Cork is also hue "rebel" county of course.

[Achtung]

Let's have a poll, DS...

What is worse:

Seeing 1 Confederate Flag out of hundreds of other flags...

Consistent death threats against players when they don't sign for you initially or against referees when you get knocked out of Europe...

Don't forget the sorts who make monkey noises and throw bananas at black players. They don't even need the flag to get their point across. :rolleyes:

What's funny is that the "confederate flag" was actually the naval flag, not the actual flag of the CSA. Nor was it the version that was then referred to as the "stars and bars".

[holytoledo]

All United fans are racists. Facht.

[Motterman]

Ryan Giggs is black - Facht.

[JayBoy]

Meeester Fehrghusen supports slavery. Fahct.