In light of the reports which have emerged today which suggest that Manchester United fans are planning to have a 'Moyes Out' banner flown over Old Trafford this Saturday, we have decided to take a look at some other occasions when the flying banner treatment was employed in a sporting context.
Usually done to ridicule or protest, plastering ones' discontent across the sky is a particularly humiliating form of public protest.
Even though nearly £1,000 of donations have come in from disgruntled fans to get the Moyes Out flight off the ground, a flying banner is probably still far cheaper than hiring a sky-writer.
There have been plenty of others, most notably in football, but these are our favourites. If you think we've made any inexcusable omissions, be sure to let us know.
Avram Grant - Millwall Legend
Some classic sky sarcasm courtesy of Lions fans, after the taciturn Israeli led Millwall's bitter rivals West Ham to relegation in 2011.
Tigers Tribulations Get The Sky Banner Treatment
Woods' philandering proved to be an unexpected boost for at least one airborne sign-towing company. In the wake of his antics coming to public attention, four banners appeared lampooning the golfing great, including a foursome invitation from from Sandra Bullock's ex-husband, and a dig at his then-caddy, Steve Williams
Photo credit: weiunderpar.com
Take The Statue Down Or We Will
Flown by Penn State fans calling for the removal from the campus of a statue of coach Joe Paterno, who failed to alert authorities to the horrific sex crimes of Jerry Sandusky.
Steve Kean Out
A self-explanatory banner flown by Blackburn fans as part of their borderline excessive protest against the proud Scot's points-scarce tenure at Ewood Park.
We Are Wimbledon
AFC fans let their MK Dons counterparts know who the 'real' Dons are.
The Venkys' Antics Provoke Delicious Claret Schadenfreude
The Indians' catastrophic ownership of a once-successful moderately-sized club led to airborne ridicule from Burnley fans earlier this month. They haven't recorded a win over Rovers in 35 years, but could still laugh at their bitter rivals' fortunes, being 20 points ahead in the Championship.
The Miami Dolphins Fans' 'Fire Ireland' Banner
This banner from last year was apparently to do with Miami Dolphins' fans plea to owner Stephen Ross to fire general manager Jeff Ireland. It is not an appeal for Shane Ross TD to save Fungi, or that dangerous Co. Clare dolphin, before firing the entire country in a half-baked attempt to boost economic growth. Oh well.
#fireland @AKuperstein @NBC6Sports pic.twitter.com/q5Ec0shbJM
— Courtney Esper (@Courtzi11a) November 17, 2013
