Isle of Wight ferry firm Red Funnel makes Southampton FC FA Cup pledge

Red Funnel has pledged to paint one of its ferries's funnels red-and-white if Southampton FC progress to the final of the FA Cup <i>(Image: Red Funnel)</i>
Red Funnel has pledged to paint one of its ferries's funnels red-and-white if Southampton FC progress to the final of the FA Cup (Image: Red Funnel)
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Isle of Wight ferry firm Red Funnel has pledged to give the funnel on one of its ferries a 'red-and-white makeover' if Southampton FC beat Manchester City in the FA Cup semi finals today (Saturday, April 25).

The ferry operator is showing its support for the team ahead of their box-office clash at Wembley, by pledging to paint a funnel in the team's colours if they progress to the final, where they will meet either Chelsea or Leeds United.

More than 33,000 fans are expected to travel to London for the semi-final fixture, 50 years on from when Saints beat Manchester United to lift the FA Cup in 1976.

Fran Collins, chief executive of Red Funnel, said: "This weekend is a big one for Southampton, and if (when!) the team gets through to the final we want to mark it in a way that feels fun, visible and right for the moment.

"Saints reaching an FA Cup Final would be a huge achievement, especially 50 years on from that famous win against Manchester United in 1976, and our promise reflects that.

"It’s a simple show of support if they get there, and we know plenty of people on both sides of the Solent will be hoping they do!"

Southampton play Manchester City at 5.15pm tomorrow.

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