Alexis Mac Allister’s mother has found herself at the centre of a heated debate in Argentina after revealing that she chooses not to join in anti-English chants ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final between the two nations.
Anti-English sentiment surrounding the fixture is intertwined with Argentina’s political history, particularly the Falklands War in 1982, when Margaret Thatcher dispatched a taskforce to the British-controlled islands off Argentina’s east coast following an Argentine invasion. The conflict claimed the lives of 649 Argentine and 255 British military personnel, as well as three civilians.
After Argentina’s quarter-final victory over Switzerland, players were heard chanting about the Falklands – or the Malvinas, as the islands are known in Argentina – singing: ‘For the Malvinas, For Diego (Maradona), For Leo’s (Messi’s) last one.’
Another chant remains a staple on the terraces whenever Argentina play, regardless of the opposition. As supporters bounce in unison, they sing: ‘Y ya lo ve, y ya lo ve,’ before building to the refrain: ‘El que no salta, Es un ingles!’ – ‘The one who doesn’t jump is an Englishman!’
And yet Liverpool midfielder Mac Allister’s mother, Silvina Riela, has revealed that she never joins in. She says her stance stems from the positive experiences she has had in England since moving to Brighton with her son after he joined the Premier League club in 2020.
‘I had a rather negative impression of England, at least regarding living there, due to the cold and the lack of sunshine. In my ignorance, I used to say, “I hope we never end up in England”,’ she told Buenos Aires’ Radio Mitre.
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister’s mother, Silvina Riela, has revealed that she never joins in with anti-English chants
Mac Allister has started all six of Argentina’s matches at the tournament and has produced some of his best form following a disappointing club season with Liverpool
‘But now that I’ve experienced it, everything has changed, even the way I see the people. I expected to encounter cold, distant people, but they are actually very polite and respectful. We were welcomed by a country that has treated us in the best possible way.’
Addressing the anti-English sentiment within Argentine football, she added: ‘There is that situation involving England, stemming somewhat from the history regarding the Malvinas Islands.
‘As (Argentina manager Lionel) Scaloni said, it’s just a football match.
‘My granddaughter was born in England. So, when everyone sings, “Whoever doesn’t jump is English,” I stay seated with her. I can’t join in on that; I don’t participate in that part,’ she laughed.
The 27-year-old has also addressed the rivalry ahead of the crunch clash in Atlanta on Wednesday, saying: ‘We understand the context behind it, all the rivalry stemming from past events and history.
‘Obviously, we also realise that this isn’t the fault of their people or ours, but rather those in positions of power, so we shouldn’t conflate the two.
‘I have a lot of respect for (England); I’ve been there for six years now, and they’ve always treated me incredibly well. From a footballing perspective, there’s no doubt they want to beat us at all costs, and it’s going to be a very tough match.
‘So now, the task is to prepare the best we can; while there is mutual respect, it’s going to be a great battle out on the pitch.’
‘My granddaughter was born in England. So, when everyone sings, “Whoever doesn’t jump is English,” I stay seated with her,’ Mac Allister’s mum said
Mac Allister has started all six of Argentina’s matches at the tournament and has produced some of his best form despite a disappointing club season at Liverpool.
Besides Argentina’s last group-stage game – when qualification was already secured – the 27-year-old has played every minute for his country, including 120 minutes against both Cape Verde and Switzerland, which went to extra time. Only the goalkeeper, Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez, has played more minutes for Argentina this tournament.
Across those games, Mac Allister has played 539 minutes, won 31 duels, 10 tackles, made nine interceptions and applied high pressure 208 times – all numbers which put him high up in the rankings.
Not only that, but it was his goal that opened the scoring against the Swiss in the quarter-final.
In other words, it’s safe to say that the likes of Jordan Henderson and Jarell Quansah will be warning the rest of the Three Lions squad of the threat their former Liverpool team-mate carries.
How much is David Beckham set to pocket from his World Cup brand deals? Take on our quiz in our newsletter HERE.
