A NEWLY painted mural to highlight a popular football club and its community has been vandalised.

MBN Arts were commissioned by AFCB to create a new mural on an underpass leading to Dean Court, AFCB’s home ground.

School students from Iford Academy and artist Owain Nicholls better known as Humble Cherub, were also involved in creating the mural.  

The commission was prompted by Cllr Sharon Carr-Brown, the ward councillor for Queen s Park and Charminster who initially highlighted the state of the underpass.

(Image: Newsquest) Now, just days after the unveiling of the new art, offenders have vandalised a section of the painting.

The rainbow-coloured pride flag with the AFCB logo has been crossed out with marker pens.

Mike Ness, who worked on the mural said: "To hear that the LGBTQ flag had been recently defaced on our latest mural for AFCB, is disappointing.

“The mural was designed to celebrate the diverse groups AFCB supports and is inclusive of.

“The flag is representative of many people associated with this great club from our community and these actions bring negativity to what was a very positive project.

“It is important to have open and honest conversations regarding topics of this nature, as then we can grow together in understanding and compassion as a community.”

Cllr Sharon Carr-Brown was also disappointed at the vandalism, she said: “Fans and local residents have really embraced this mural and enjoyed watching its progress as it was created.

“There was a genuine buzz of excitement about seeing the finished piece and it perfectly captures the spirit of the Club and the town whilst brightening a previously drab underpass.

"Of course it's disappointing to see any piece of artwork defaced in any way, but to pick on this aspect of it, makes me sad. Inclusivity harms no-one. It's the second time this flag has been defaced in some way and I hope it will be the last.

“If you don't want to share the love of the Club and the town with everyone, that's up to you, but don't add your bigotry to such an uplifting and beautiful piece of artwork."

A spokesperson for AFC Bournemouth said: ‘We are incredibly disappointed by this incident.

“Having this flag featured in the mural was a conscious effort to show the local community that we are a club that prides ourselves on providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. We're saddened to think that this feeling isn't shared by everybody.”

Louise Clarke, Chair of the Proud Cherries said: “We believe sport, especially football, is a great way to bring all parts of our community together to promote equality and this includes AFCB’s LGBTQ+ supporters.

"We are disappointed that the rainbow flag has been needlessly vandalised but remain focused on ensuring AFCB is an inclusive club. The Proud Cherries is a group set up to bring LGBTQ+ supporters together and give them a safe space to enjoy football and support the team.”