Football fans anger at 'betrayed' flag coverup

The Luton Town flag with the 'Betrayed by the FA 2008' message pinned up

Football fans have said they are "deeply disappointed and dismayed" after the message on their flag, "Betrayed by the FA", was covered up during England U-21s 4-1 win against Austria on Monday.

Loyal Luton Supporters Club (LLSC) claimed on Facebook the flag, that had the lower portion pinned up during the match at Kenilworth Road, symbolises its "remarkable rise from near collapse".

In July 2008, The Hatters were deducted 30 points by the Football Association and Football League over financial infringements, leading to its relegation. It is believed the huge banner has hung in the Main Stand ever since.

Luton Town said it was "extremely disappointed the FA felt the need to hide the message".

The FA has been approached for comment.

The full flag, how it normally hangs in Kenilworth Road

LLSC, which has more than 2,000 followers on Facebook, said in a statement: "Loyal Luton is left deeply disappointed and dismayed by the covering of the 'Betrayed by the FA' flag during the England U-21 match.

"We were led to believe it would be displayed in full.

"This flag symbolises LTFC's remarkable rise from near collapse, and its message is crucial — a reminder of the club's history and the struggles we’ve overcome.

"LLSC demands an explanation of who made the decision to hide it and why."

The statement continued that the flag represented "more than a grievance — it’s a voice for supporters still hurt by the FA's 2008 actions. Silencing it for an external event is deeply disappointing.

"Never forgive, never forget."

Henry Winter, sports journalist, said that the Luton corner flags were replaced with official FA ones

The club gradually worked their way up the league table after getting out of the then Conference League in April 2014 after playing there for five years.

They gained promotion back into the Premiership in 2023 but were relegated to the Championship in May 2024.

Luton Town Football Club has put out a statement which read: "Luton Town Football Club would like to clarify the situation regarding the unauthorised folding of the flag in the corner of the Main Stand for last night’s England Under-21 international at Kenilworth Road.

"As time has passed, the club’s relationship with the FA has arrived at a place where games such as last night’s England U21 international may be hosted at Kenilworth Road. Events such as these are positive for the club’s local community – particularly for younger supporters in the area – and are events the club wishes to conduct more of moving into Power Court."

It continued: "In the final build-up to the match, the FA asked for the flag to be taken down, a request that the club rejected.

"Instead, the corner was folded, which meant the flag remained in place, but the full extent of its meaning was compromised. This action was demanded by the FA and carried out by a member of club staff who didn’t appreciate the true significance of the action. Had the request been escalated it would have been declined."

The club said the message at the bottom had "a meaningful significance to our supporters" and it represented "the most poignant event in the club’s history".

"The club understands the subsequent reaction from the fanbase and is extremely disappointed the FA felt the need to hide the message, which is also a poignant part of its own history," it added.