This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-25433028
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Library of Birmingham lit up in Aston Villa colours | Library of Birmingham lit up in Aston Villa colours |
(35 minutes later) | |
Birmingham's new library has been lit up in claret and blue for Christmas. | Birmingham's new library has been lit up in claret and blue for Christmas. |
The festive illuminations on the £189m building in Centenary Square pay homage to local football club Aston Villa's famous colours. | The festive illuminations on the £189m building in Centenary Square pay homage to local football club Aston Villa's famous colours. |
A spokesman for the library described the link-up with the club as "exciting and eye-catching". The colours are due to remain until the new year. | A spokesman for the library described the link-up with the club as "exciting and eye-catching". The colours are due to remain until the new year. |
But fans of Villa's local rivals, Birmingham City, say the move is "massively unfair". | But fans of Villa's local rivals, Birmingham City, say the move is "massively unfair". |
Villa officials approached the library with a view to celebrating the success of the two organisations. | Villa officials approached the library with a view to celebrating the success of the two organisations. |
Brian Gambles, director at the Library of Birmingham, explained: "Villa's reputation in the football world makes a nice symmetry with the new and exciting library. | Brian Gambles, director at the Library of Birmingham, explained: "Villa's reputation in the football world makes a nice symmetry with the new and exciting library. |
"We were only too happy to partner with them on this festive project." | "We were only too happy to partner with them on this festive project." |
Celebrity fans | Celebrity fans |
Paul Faulkner, Aston Villa chief executive, who is also a trustee of the library, said: "The library is a striking focal point - even more so now it has adopted our famous club colours for a few weeks." | |
But some Birmingham City fans have taken issue with the library's link-up. | But some Birmingham City fans have taken issue with the library's link-up. |
Nick Glynn, chairman of the Birmingham City East Midlands Supporters Club, said: "Aston Villa isn't the only football team in this city, and I think there needs to be a rethink about what has happened, really. | Nick Glynn, chairman of the Birmingham City East Midlands Supporters Club, said: "Aston Villa isn't the only football team in this city, and I think there needs to be a rethink about what has happened, really. |
"The building should have at least been lit 50-50; half our colours, half Aston Villa colours. | "The building should have at least been lit 50-50; half our colours, half Aston Villa colours. |
"This is a public building, so maybe the public as a whole should have been consulted before this went ahead." | |
Birmingham City supporter, Darren Constable, 37, from Bloxwich, said: "I think it's massively unfair, to be honest. | Birmingham City supporter, Darren Constable, 37, from Bloxwich, said: "I think it's massively unfair, to be honest. |
"It's as if they are saying Aston Villa is the only club associated with the city, which it isn't." | "It's as if they are saying Aston Villa is the only club associated with the city, which it isn't." |
Villa boast celebrity fans including Prince William, David Cameron and Tom Hanks, and have won seven league titles, seven FA Cups, five League Cups and the European Cup. | Villa boast celebrity fans including Prince William, David Cameron and Tom Hanks, and have won seven league titles, seven FA Cups, five League Cups and the European Cup. |
Birmingham City's famous supporters include TV funnyman Jasper Carrott, Homeland actor David Harewood and ELO's Jeff Lynne. | Birmingham City's famous supporters include TV funnyman Jasper Carrott, Homeland actor David Harewood and ELO's Jeff Lynne. |
Blues have won two League Cups, including in 2011. | Blues have won two League Cups, including in 2011. |
Previous version
1
Next version