AN ADVERT for low-cost airline Flybe, which has a regional hub in Southampton, has been labelled "irresponsible" for encouraging football fans to harass the Swiss referee who presided over England's controversial exit from Euro 2004.
The airline, Flybe.com, sent an e-mail advert the day after England lost in the quarter-finals of the tournament to hosts Portugal.
Swiss referee Urs Meier caused a storm of protest after he disallowed Sol Campbell's last minute "goal", ruling that Portugal's goalkeeper had been fouled.
Portugal went on to win 6-5 on penalties in Lisbon's Stadium of Light.
The advert, which offered a link to Mr Meier's personal website, sparked complaints to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).
British European, which runs Flybe.com, said the e-mail reflected the mood of the nation "in a humorous way". It denied it was racist.
Upholding the complaints, the ASA said the advert was "irresponsible and offensive because it could have encouraged recipients to harass Mr Meier".
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