2012 snub for RAF daredevils

Bluemerle · 15-09-2007, 07:46 PM

THE Red Arrows have been banned from performing at the 2012 London Olympics as they are too BRITISH.

By VIRGINIA WHEELER
September 15, 2007

Barmy organisers claim the popular RAF display team’s military background “might offend other nations”.

The decision has left pilots, who were set to perform their best-ever display at the opening ceremony, in a state of outrage.

One said yesterday: “We have been simply blown away by this decision.

“For years we have talked about performing a display at the Olympic Games and how magnificent it would be.

“It never crossed our mind we would be banned from the event.”

Supremo ... 2012 organiser Coe

The Arrows, officially named the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, have flown at 4,000 festivals worldwide. But the Department of Culture, Media and Sport ruled last week that the jets were “unsuitable” and “not in keeping with the event as they were too militaristically British”.

The government department is running the event alongside organising committee chairman Lord Sebastian Coe. An insider also suggested the Arrows had ALREADY performed at the Olympics — by doing a fly-past when London won the initial bid.

But the pilot added: “The Red Arrows did indeed perform a fly-past. But that was 2005 and was hurriedly organised.

“We really wanted to put on a world-class display for 2012 — something incredible and never seen before. It would be a showcase of everything that is great about Britain.

“The Red Arrows are as British as the Queen and London buses.

“They’re not an expression of our military power — they’re a source of national pride. But Olympic bosses have said we might offend foreigners. It’s madness.” Yesterday the Department for Culture, Media and Sport appeared to leave room for a U-turn.

A spokesman said: “No decision has yet been made.

“We haven’t made any final arrangements for the opening ceremony yet.”

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2007421005,00.html

eublues · 15-09-2007, 09:26 PM

If they do appear it will be with the ring of stars on the wings.

Aardvark · 15-09-2007, 10:49 PM

There will be Bangra Dancers, Irish Dancers, Scots pipers, Poles, Ukrainians, etc etc, but no morris dancers because they won't fit the image. Rest assured anything British or English will be excluded from the London Olympics.

Popeye · 17-09-2007, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluemerle

THE Red Arrows have been banned from performing at the 2012 London Olympics as they are too BRITISH.

“The Red Arrows are as British as the Queen and London buses.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2007421005,00.html

I thought they were both German

15-09-2007, 07:46 PM	#1 (permalink)
Bluemerle Uber Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Dorset. Posts: 3,252	2012 snub for RAF daredevils THE Red Arrows have been banned from performing at the 2012 London Olympics as they are too BRITISH. By VIRGINIA WHEELER September 15, 2007 Barmy organisers claim the popular RAF display team’s military background “might offend other nations”. The decision has left pilots, who were set to perform their best-ever display at the opening ceremony, in a state of outrage. One said yesterday: “We have been simply blown away by this decision. “For years we have talked about performing a display at the Olympic Games and how magnificent it would be. “It never crossed our mind we would be banned from the event.” Supremo ... 2012 organiser Coe The Arrows, officially named the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, have flown at 4,000 festivals worldwide. But the Department of Culture, Media and Sport ruled last week that the jets were “unsuitable” and “not in keeping with the event as they were too militaristically British”. The government department is running the event alongside organising committee chairman Lord Sebastian Coe. An insider also suggested the Arrows had ALREADY performed at the Olympics — by doing a fly-past when London won the initial bid. But the pilot added: “The Red Arrows did indeed perform a fly-past. But that was 2005 and was hurriedly organised. “We really wanted to put on a world-class display for 2012 — something incredible and never seen before. It would be a showcase of everything that is great about Britain. “The Red Arrows are as British as the Queen and London buses. “They’re not an expression of our military power — they’re a source of national pride. But Olympic bosses have said we might offend foreigners. It’s madness.” Yesterday the Department for Culture, Media and Sport appeared to leave room for a U-turn. A spokesman said: “No decision has yet been made. “We haven’t made any final arrangements for the opening ceremony yet.” http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2007421005,00.html

15-09-2007, 10:49 PM	#3 (permalink)
Aardvark Moderator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Oxonia Posts: 3,987	There will be Bangra Dancers, Irish Dancers, Scots pipers, Poles, Ukrainians, etc etc, but no morris dancers because they won't fit the image. Rest assured anything British or English will be excluded from the London Olympics. __________________ When in Woking do as the Wokes do. "I do not wish to form my opinions by thoughtlessly quoting others; I wish others to support their opinions by sensibly quoting me." Paul Wesson (Aardvark) 13th April 2008

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15-09-2007, 09:26 PM	#2 (permalink)
eublues Uber Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 3,129	If they do appear it will be with the ring of stars on the wings.