Clermont Auvergne fans plan moving tribute to Anthony Foley and Munster

Wed, 19 Oct, 2016 - 13:50

Grainne McGuinness

The rugby world has put sporting rivalries aside this week as players, coaches and fans have united to mourn the untimely death of Munster head coach Anthony ‘Axel’ Foley.

The Clermont Auvergne team and supporters took part in a minute’s silence in memory of Foley before their away game against Exeter Chiefs last week.

Exeter Chiefs and Clermont Auvergne pay tribute to Anthony Foley ahead of their Champions Cup clash at Sandy Park. https://t.co/aKwiuAIHCr
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) October 16, 2016

But that is not enough for the club's supporters, who are planning a major tribute to the Munster and Ireland legend at their home game against Bordeaux Bègles on Saturday.

Afin de témoigner de notre soutien à la #RedArmy, samedi venez au stade avec une écharpe ou un drapeau du Munster ! #RIPAxel #ASMUBB
❤️🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/82KtR2lcb9
— Team Jaune&Bleu (@TeamYellowArmy) October 18, 2016

The Team Yellow Army supporters group have called on all Clermont fans to wear Munster flags and colours to the game.

In a statement (translated by Google) they said: “You know rugby is a large family and over the years we have woven ties with fans across Europe.

“Of course, the red army has a special place in the hearts of the supporters of the yellow army and we have all been touched by the death of Anthony Foley, the coach of the Munster.

“In order to show our support to our Irish friends, we invite you to come to the Michelin with a scarf or a flag of Munster (for those who possess) during the game on Saturday.”

Pour ceux qui souhaitent participer à l'hommage mais n'ont pas de drapeaux ou d'écharpe : imprimez le logo du Munster sur 1 feuille #ASMUBB pic.twitter.com/SaxABEX2Zx
— Team Jaune&Bleu (@TeamYellowArmy) October 18, 2016

To maximise the amount of fans involved the group are even sharing the Munster Logo for fans to print out (again Google translate): “For those wishing to participate in the tribute but do not have flags or scarf: print Munster logo on one sheet”.

Clermont fans are embracing the idea ...

… and Munster fans are hugely appreciative of the French club’s solidarity.

We met some excellent Clermont fans the last few seasons..in Montpellier and Clermont-Ferrand...ici ici ici
— Pixie (@Tadhgeen) October 18, 2016

Unbelievable show of support and respect, fair play ASM Clermont-Ferrand #RIPAxel #MunsterRugby https://t.co/fdinFLUbT8
— Kevin Kelly (@KevinKelly21) October 18, 2016