Lincoln City to stop playing Dam Busters theme before matches because of war in Ukraine

Lincoln City say they want to strike an 'appropriate' Credit: PA

Lincoln City have announced that they will temporarily stop playing air raid sirens and the Dam Busters March at the start of games because of the war in Ukraine.

Liam Scully, the club's chairman, announced that the decision had been made following discussions with the supporters' board.

He said the cub wanted to strike an "appropriate balance" between celebrating the club's heritage and being socially aware.

In a statement, he said: "I’m sure everyone has their own opinions on this matter and I fully accept our position is not flawless.

"While I understand this decision may polarise views, could I expressly comment that it is not our intention to divide."

An air raid siren is often heard at the club’s Sincil Bank stadium when the Imps are attacking at corners while the Dam Busters March has been played before kick-off.

Fans voted to keep the Dam Busters March as the team's walkout music in a poll in 2009. Credit: PA

The club plays the Dam Busters theme to celebrate Lincoln's role in the pivotal Second World War air assault.

Operation Chastise saw Lancaster bombers take off from RAF Scampton to bomb targets in Germany and severely damage the Nazis' war machine.

But Mr Scully said the club needed to be sensitive to international events.

He said: "In the spirit that this decision was made, please could I ask for your support and backing with this conclusion, which was a very challenging matter to navigate.

"Can I be clear that there is a commitment to reviewing this decision in the close season and we will communicate further on this matter following our summer review."

A supporters’ group for the club was formed in 2011 and named 617 Squadron, with the aim to boost the atmosphere at Lincoln games.

In 2009, supporters voted to keep the Dam Busters March as the club’s anthem in a newspaper and website poll.

The song comfortably beat Jeff Beck’s Hi Ho Silver Lining and Blitzkrieg Bop by The Ramones.

City supporter Alex Webber, 36, from Lincoln, said: “Personally I don’t think that playing the Dam Busters March is disrespectful, I believe the club should look at reinstating our anthem before the matches and in the second half when the teams come out.

“I can understand not using the air raid siren due to the ongoing bombing that’s continuing in Ukraine and how that would make people feel.”