WHILE Chester City Exiles will be out in force at London Road tomorrow, their trademark banner won't be with them.
The supporters' group for Blues fans living out of the area had been told they will not be allowed to take the banner into the ground until it has been 'flameproofed'.
Peterborough United officials have issued the strict directive to all fans as they fear some flags or banners could be set alight by mischievous supporters. But Sue Choularton, from the Chester City Exiles, has branded the decision 'absolutely crazy'.
She said: 'Our Exiles banner has been displayed proudly at hundreds of games up and down the country without a problem and I've never heard of a banner being set on fire. We're really disappointed it doesn't look like we can take it to Peterborough as we can't find a dry cleaner who will flameproof it for us. There will be dozens of Exiles at the game as it's one of our favourite away grounds, but now the players won't think we're there to support them.'
A statement on Peterborough's website makes their stance on the matter clear.
'There are certain safety requirements that have to be adhered to,' it reads. 'Flags need to be flame-proofed and a certificate obtained.
'Flame-proofing is required to stop someone (jokingly or otherwise) setting fire to the flag while it is in the stadium.'
