CHERRIES have dropped the use of well-known supporter John Garard from their pre-match routine.

Garard, also known as ‘Nonny’, died in November 2021, aged 51.

On matchdays since, the club have played a clip on the big screens at Vitality Stadium of Nonny singing his famous ‘Red Army’ chant.

However, for the past two home fixtures, that clip has not been used, leading to complaints and frustrations from many Cherries fans.

There was suggestion his absence had been due to the regular slot just before kick-off being filled by other things. A minute’s silence was observed ahead of the clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers on October 21, held to remember the innocent victims of the Israel and Palestine conflict.

Then, on October 28, a minute’s applause took place before the Premier League game against Burnley, to commemorate the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton and Bill Kenwright.

But it is understood those events were unrelated, and Garard will again not be used in the pre-match hype video ahead of tonight’s Carabao Cup clash against Liverpool.

When contacted by the Daily Echo, Cherries confirmed the clip of Nonny would not be used, saying the decision had been taken “due to an unresolved issue” which has arisen in recent weeks.