DEDICATED United fan Kotaro Sumita has long been flying the flag for the Yellows in Japan.

But now he has launched a desperate appeal after his treasured U’s flag was taken before the Checkatrade Trophy final on Sunday.

Mr Sumita brought the flag, given to him by an Oxford fan last summer, on his 36-hour journey to Wembley from Japan.

He said: “The flag was very important to me because it was gifted from fellow yellows at the Kassam Stadium last summer, it was a symbol of our friendship.

“I took it back to Japan and I brought it to Wembley this time.

He added: “”I am more sad to lose the flag than that Oxford United lost the Checkatrade Trophy final - if someone has it please can they give it back or let me know.”

“I think the flag was taken from the Crystal Rooms before kick off, maybe at 1.45pm.”

Kotaro Sumita has been an avid United fan since he first went to the Manor Ground while he was visiting Oxford in 1999.

He was learning English at The Oxford English Centre and his hosts, the Hathaway family from Littlemore, took him to watch a game.

He has since visited Oxford 12 times and seen more than 20 U’s games.

But his disappointment in seeing United fail to beat Coventry on Sunday was compounded by losing the flag, which he believes was taken from The Crystal Rooms shortly before kick off.

The Yellow Army fans’ group shared an online appeal to track down the flag, which reads ‘FORZA OU’ but to no avail.

Mr Sumita’s flight left Heathrow last night but he urged anyone who knows where the flag is to keep it safe for his return.

He said: “I was only able to stay in the UK for 36 hours, the same time as the length of the journey, but I will absolutely be back someday.”

He added: “I was happy to cheer with so many fellow yellows at Wembley, it was a great, except for the match result and having to go home so soon.”

During the 2002 World Cup in Japan he met two Oxford United fans, Jez Allen and Neil Warland, ahead of England’s game with Argentina who were stunned to see him wearing a yellow and blue scarf and a Yellows shirt with ex-player Matt Murphy’s name on the back.

The trio were re-united years later and Kotaro has been treated as a fan favourite ever since.

In 2014 the club’s communications manager Chris Williams arranged a behind-the-scenes tour for the Japanese man as he met Michael Appleton and other members of the backroom staff at the training ground.

Hundreds of United fans went to The Crystal Rooms before the game, as the Yellow Army organised an event in aid of Oxford United Community Trust - the club’s charity.

It is expected to raise thousands of pounds towards projects involving children and adults across the county.

Anyone with information should email news@oxfordmail.co.uk