Pompey fans furious at deal with Emirates airline to paint city’s landmark colours of rival club Southampton but city council says it will help pay for vital services

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

Fans of one of England’s most long-suffering football clubs are cursing their luck again after finding that one of their city’s most prominent landmarks is to be painted in the colours of their biggest rivals.



As part of a lucrative sponsorship deal with Emirates airline, Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower is to be painted red and white – the colours of arch-rivals Southampton – leaving fans of Portsmouth FC furious.



The £3.5m deal will see Emirates branding displayed on the side of the 170 metre (560ft) viewing tower and was welcomed by the Conservative council leader, Donna Jones, as a boost for the city at a time of cuts and austerity.



But there was uproar among Pompey supporters, who have seen their club suffer three relegations and financial meltdown in recent years.



An online petition has been launched urging the council to block the colour scheme as it “flies in the face of the loyal values of the city” and “shows an incredible lack of empathy for the residents”.



Several took to Twitter to voice their opposition to the move, with one branding the council “a disgrace”.



Steven Phillips said: “If this red & white scheme for @SpinnakerTower is for real (please tell me it’s a joke) then Portsmouth City Council is a disgrace. #Pompey.”



Another observer, Laurie Symons, tweeted: “As if they’re painting Spinnaker Tower red and white haha! Surely a wind-up?”



Nigel Tresidder, chairman of the central branch of Portsmouth Supporters’ Club, suggested it should be painted red, white and blue as a compromise.



He said: “I don’t think it is the right thing to do. Our supporters won’t like it, I’m very sure about that.

“I never thought this would have happened to be quite honest but that’s the council I’m afraid. Anything where they can make money ... I know they have to make it but at the end of the day it should be red, white and blue.”

Meanwhile, Southampton fans could barely contain their delight.

One supporter, Ant James, tweeted: “This is too bloody good. Portsmouth, forever sitting in the shadow of red and white.”

The council leader said the sponsorship money would reduce the need for cuts to vital services such as libraries, community centres and leisure centres.

Jones said: “With the financial situation the council faces, we have to think creatively about how we can achieve the maximum income potential from our assets, and this is just one of several deals we are working on.”

Sir Tim Clark, president of Emirates airline, said: “Part of the reason that this sponsorship opportunity was so appealing to us is that it will enable the local city council to reinvest this partnership money into the local community, something that we are proud to be able to support.”

The prominent new branding is expected to be in place in time for the arrival of the America’s Cup World Series of sailing races in Portsmouth in July.