Northern Ireland’s iconic Manchester United flag grabs US headlines

Northern Ireland’s Manchester United ‘Big Lily’ flag has grabbed headlines in the United States.

The iconic flag – which runs 40 feet by 30 feet – traveled to the United States to accompany Erik ten Hag during their California tour.

United faced Arsenal at the SoFi Stadium on Saturday, with other games planned against Real Betis (in San Diego) and Liverpool (Williams-Brice Stadium, Colombia).

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Los Angeles Reds supporters introduced Big Lily at the famous Griffith Observatory and were also in attendance for the 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at So-Fi.

Co-creator of United’s Big Lily, Keith Norris said: “The Official Supporters’ Club of Los Angeles Manchester United displayed the Big Lily at the famous Griffith Observatory, then blocked traffic in front of the Santa Monica Pier. The local police entered the scene for fear of a political demonstration. When they realized it was United’s Big Lily – he blocked the road and helped the deployment.

“Before the opening game against Arsenal at the So-Fi Stadium, local fans paraded around the stadium proudly displaying the Big Lily. The local police blocked the road to facilitate the march of the fans.”

The previous evening at an event featuring Andy Cole, Denis Irwin and Wes Brown at O’Brien’s Bar and Restaurant in Santa Monica, a ‘Wee Lily’ Flag of Friendship was presented by United legend Brown, with MUFC Fan Director Rick McGagh . The engagement and the Belfast man Norris.

Amani, chairman of La Reds, was joined by members of her club’s supporters team: “Big Lily is a legend around the world among Manchester United fans. It represents diversity and friendship and our club was delighted to host a unique visitor to California and especially honored to receive our prestigious Wee Lily Friendship Flag.”

After a scenic trip across California aboard the Amtrak Pacific Surf Liner, Big Lily arrived in San Diego to visit the local Manchester United Supporters’ Club. At a private preview event at a La Mesa mansion where the Big Lily boys are staying, San Diego’s ‘Wee Lily’ was unveiled to club officials before being introduced by the United legends.

Norris added: “United’s Big Lily ethos and history is one of diversity, inclusion and camaraderie among United supporters worldwide. Our tour team was blown away by the welcome, hospitality and friendliness from everyone in Los Angeles and San Diego.”

Events from the pre-season tour are being filmed for an upcoming documentary about United’s Big Lily story.

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