The Civil Aviation Authority have confirmed they are investigating two banners taunting Preston North End fans over their relegation from the Championship.
The banners which read "Poor little Preston enjoy League One" and "We are superior love Blackpool FC" were flown above Preston's Deepdale ground during their final home league game of the season against Watford.
Blackpool are Preston's fierce rivals, and while North End prepare for life in England's third tier, Blackpool are currently battling to stay in the Premier League.
On seeing the banners Preston manager Phil Brown said they were "distasteful" and added "if I had a gun I would have shot the plane down".
Now a CAA spokesperson has confirmed they are looking into the incident.
"Rules about flying aircraft over built-up areas are very clear, and we are investigating whether any infringements were committed," the spokesperson told the Lancashire Evening Post.
"An aircraft cannot fly over a built up area below 1,000ft. We are currently looking at the pictures to make an assessment.
"Our legal enforcement team will look into it, and if an infringement is believed to have been made, the issue will be taken up through the courts and the pilot behind it could be prosecuted."
Last season Preston fans infamously hung a banner saying "forever in our shadow" on the M55 as Blackpool fans travelled down to watch their Championship play-off final with Cardiff City.
The banners which read "Poor little Preston enjoy League One" and "We are superior love Blackpool FC" were flown above Preston's Deepdale ground during their final home league game of the season against Watford.
Blackpool are Preston's fierce rivals, and while North End prepare for life in England's third tier, Blackpool are currently battling to stay in the Premier League.
On seeing the banners Preston manager Phil Brown said they were "distasteful" and added "if I had a gun I would have shot the plane down".
Now a CAA spokesperson has confirmed they are looking into the incident.
"Rules about flying aircraft over built-up areas are very clear, and we are investigating whether any infringements were committed," the spokesperson told the Lancashire Evening Post.
"An aircraft cannot fly over a built up area below 1,000ft. We are currently looking at the pictures to make an assessment.
"Our legal enforcement team will look into it, and if an infringement is believed to have been made, the issue will be taken up through the courts and the pilot behind it could be prosecuted."
Last season Preston fans infamously hung a banner saying "forever in our shadow" on the M55 as Blackpool fans travelled down to watch their Championship play-off final with Cardiff City.
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