Manchester United v Sunderland: Fury as Black Cats' fans 'steal United's Munich flag'

SUNDERLAND fans allegedly stole a beloved Manchester United flag commemorating the victims of the Munich air disaster ahead of their side's clash at Old Trafford.

Posted Wednesday, December 28, 2016 by Dailystar.co.uk

Manchester United v Sunderland: Fury as Black Cats' fans 'steal United's Munich flag'
SADNESS: Adam Frost was 'gutted' when he found the flag was missing

A brutal social row has erupted after United fans accused their rivals of snatching the iconic flag. It was supposedly nicked from outside a pub in Stretford, Greater Manchester yesterday.

The fabric, which reads "Champions of Heaven since 1958", is of "huge sentimental value" to 27-year-old owner Adam Frost. It has been signed by scores of United legends.

But a startling tweet from one Sunderland fan read: "They cheat and score an offside goal. We nick their flag. Kind of evens itself out really."

Manchester United v Sunderland: Fury as Black Cats' fans 'steal United's Munich flag'
SENTIMENTAL: Several Manchester United players had signed the flag

Adam, from Frodsham, Cheshire, said: "I've had the flag for about three years and I've been hanging it outside the Sam Platts pub on match days.

"I hang it up on the railings outside, go for a drink, then get it on the way back after the game.

"It's really important to me. I've never had a problem before. I'm gutted. It's been signed by a lot of players — and obviously is a tribute to the victims of the Munich air disaster.

"I just want it back."

Manchester United v Sunderland: Fury as Black Cats' fans 'steal United's Munich flag'
WONDER GOAL: Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored an excellent goal at Old Trafford

Since the Sunderland fans' tweet emerged, waves of fuming United supporters have slammed the "disgusting thieves" who apparently took the flag.

One sickened Red Devil follower, who did mot want to be named, said: "We've all very upset. Adam is absolutely fuming, we all are.

"It's a flag commemorating those who died in the Munich crash. We just want it back from these disgusting thieves."

Jose Mourinho's side beat Sunderland 3-1 at Old Trafford.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan left the home fans in awe after netting an audacious overhead backheel. Replays suggested the wonder goal was offside but it stood, leaving the travelling faithful furious.