England fans have been warned that they cannot bring flags honouring our war dead into World Cup stadiums – because they feature a silhouette of a soldier holding a rifle.
A number of supporters whose St George’s crosses feature images of British servicemen have been unable to gain permission to display them at venues – including Dallas, where Thomas Tuchel’s side take on Croatia tonight.
England fans also face the prospect of being ejected from US stadiums should they make anti-Sir Keir Starmer chants throughout the tournament.
While the move to ban such flags from World Cup venues may raise eyebrows given the US’ laws which give citizens the right to carry weapons, it is understood that FIFA, rather than locals, have set the rules.
Fans wanting to bring flags larger than 2m x 1.5m in need to gain written permission ahead of arriving at the stadium. They are asked to send pictures as part of their application.
Sources have disclosed that some have been left stunned when they were told that because the silhouette of the soldier, which features on many flags, was holding a rifle, they would be in breach of FIFA’s regulations.
England fans could be chucked of the World Cup if they sing any anti-Sir Keir Starmer chants
There is a strong feeling of discontent with the Prime Minister among large numbers of England’s hardcore support
‘It’s madness,’ said one England fan here in Dallas. ‘I’d imagine if I wanted to go over the road to a Walmart buy an actual gun there wouldn’t be an issue, but I can’t go into the stadium with a flag honouring those who gave their lives for our country because it features an image of a soldier holding a rifle.’
The FA has been liaising with FIFA in an attempt to find a solution ahead of England’s debut. They have been told that fans can bring their flags to the stadium but to be prepared for stewards telling them that they cannot enter with them. Such a scenario means those impacted face a conundrum. Many have paid hundreds of pounds for the specially-commissioned flags and would need to find somewhere safe to store them at short notice, or face missing the game entirely. Images of poppies on flags are permitted.
An FA spokesperson said: ‘We have advised our fans that FIFA can prevent flags with sensitive or political content entering the stadiums. Our team are on hand at the ground to help review flags if needed to avoid any problems occurring.’
Meanwhile, large sections of travelling supporters have been heard singing ‘Keir Starmer’s a w****r’ during England’s second pre-tournament friendly in Orlando – and the chant is already being sung in bars and pubs in and around Dallas ahead of the Croatia match.
Indeed, this newspaper has seen one St George’s Cross in the city which contains an offensive slur aimed at the under-fire Prime Minister.
FIFA rules aimed at making matches apolitical events prohibit banners, flags apparel or clothing deemed to be offensive, discriminatory or political. Its stadium code of conduct also warns fans not to ‘use offensive language or gestures’.
Mexico’s Football Association is thought to have been fined more than $1m over time thanks to the continuous shouting of a homophobic slur by its fans.
There is a strong feeling of discontent with the Prime Minister among large numbers of England’s hardcore support. The chant has been heard at numerous recent matches and appears to have made its way across the Atlantic for the World Cup.
When England defeated Costa Rica 3-0 in Orlando last week it was heard multiple times from a standing section behind one of the goals.
On Monday night it was being boomed out at various venues including at the Fort Worth Stockyards, where many England fans had gathered.
One St George’s Cross, seen by Daily Mail Sport, featured the message ‘Keir Starmer is a n***e’. The FA is aware of the situation.
