Manchester United supporters responsible for the Chapecoense flag seen at their midweek game with West Ham will donate the money raised to the families affected by last week’s plane crash, in which 71 people lost their lives.
Having heard the news of the crash on Tuesday morning, Carl Jackson, who helps run a fan to fan ticket exchange page on Facebook, asked fellow United fans how best they could show their support for the family and friends of those that had died.
“We talked about what we could do and eventually decided that the flag was the best idea of showing people that our thoughts were with them,” Carl told us.
Carl, who follows United home and away, asked fellow supporters if they’d like to contribute to the cost of the flag. Before long, he was inundated with donations from United supporters from all around the globe.
“We were blown away by the response,” he added. “We had donations coming in from everywhere, even as far away as Australia.”
Manchester United tribute flag for Chapecoense tonight #ForcaChape #MUFC pic.twitter.com/IbBFn6K6um
— FootballAwaydays (@Awaydays23) November 30, 2016
With the money coming in more than covering the cost of the flag, Carl plans to send the money to those affected by the crash.
“At the moment the total stands at just over £1,300, but we’re aware that this might grow.
“It’s caught us by surprise to be honest. I wasn’t expecting the kind of response we’ve had, but we want to send the money we’ve raised over to Chapecoense to help the families of those involved.”
Carl will be taking the flag to United’s game at Everton on Sunday as well as their game against Zorya Luhansk in Ukraine on Thursday.
“It’d be great if we can get it signed by the squad and sent out there [to Chapecoense],” Carl adds. “If not, it’d be nice to have it on display at Old Trafford somewhere to show that United supporters are thinking of them.
“Obviously, given what happened at Munich, this news has been poignant for many of us, especially the older generations of United fans that can still remember it.
“Not just as football fans, but as men with families, we hope what we’re doing can help in some very small way.”
As well as the £1,300 already raised, Carl has also set up this GoFundMe page, where supporters can leave further donations.
