We hope a sea of colour will greet Oxford United, at the appropiate times, when they play Barrow at the Kassam Stadium tomorrow.

But it could all have been very different had the club acted hastily by banning flags after receiving complaints about fans’ views being obstructed.

Thankfully, a sensible compromise has been reached.

Last night the club decreed that fans could bring flags into the ground and wave them, but would reserve the right to act if they were used in an ‘inappropriate manner’.

No flag is allowed to be waved during open play – only when goals are scored.

People that spend their hard-earned money to watch a football match don’t want their view spoiled by someone waving a giant flag or banner.

We are sure this sentiment is shared by the vast majority of self-respecting fans.