It was probably just a one off decisions but absence of the free flags has me wondering. Do you think people at the club have taken on board the Raggy and Dippery comments about "plastic flags" in cup games? I know some City fans complained it was "embaressing" for them. I just see it as a nice freebie for the matchgoing fans, that doesn't cost the club much or take too much effort to organise.
Having said that, if they are plastic or nylon, it could have something to do with the environmental/clean water drive the club is pushing this season too.