England fans could be THROWN OUT of the World Cup if they sing any anti-Sir Keir Starmer chants or any flags referencing the war dead – with the FA facing being slapped with hefty FIFA fines if any supporters are caught
England fans have been warned they cannot bring flags commemorating our war dead into World Cup stadiums because they feature the silhouette of a soldier holding a rifle.
Some fans, whose St George’s crosses feature images of British soldiers, have been unable to obtain permission to display them at venues including Dallas, where Thomas Tuchel will face Croatia tonight.
England fans also face expulsion from US stadiums if they chant anti-Sir Keir Starmer during the tournament.
While banning such flags from World Cup venues may raise eyebrows, given US laws granting citizens the right to bear arms, it appears that FIFA, rather than local residents, set the rules.
Fans wishing to bring flags larger than 2m x 1.5m must obtain written permission before arriving at the stadium. They are asked to submit images as part of their application.
Sources explained that some people were stunned when they were told that the silhouette of a soldier on many flags holding a rifle would be in violation of FIFA regulations.
England fans could be kicked out of the World Cup if they chant anti-Sir Keir Starmer slogans
There is a strong sense of discontent with the Prime Minister among Britain’s many hardliners
St George’s Cross, seen by Daily Mail Sport, bore the message ‘Keir Starmer is a ***e’
‘This is crazy,’ said one English fan in Dallas. ‘I would think it would be okay if I went to a Walmart across the road and wanted to buy a real gun, but I can’t walk into the stadium with a flag honoring those who gave their lives for our country because it has a picture of a soldier holding a rifle on it.’
The FA is in contact with FIFA to find a solution ahead of England’s first match. It was said that fans could bring their flags into the stadium but should be prepared for officials to tell them they could not enter with flags. Such a scenario means that those affected will face a dilemma. Many have paid hundreds of pounds for specially ordered flags and will need to find somewhere safe to store them quickly or face missing the game altogether. Images of poppies are allowed on flags.
An FA spokesman said: ‘We have advised our fans that FIFA may prevent sensitive or politically charged flags from entering stadiums. ‘Our team is on site to help inspect flags if necessary to prevent any problems arising.’
Meanwhile, during England’s second pre-tournament friendly in Orlando, many of the traveling fans were heard chanting ‘Keir Starmer’s aw****r’, and the chant is already being sung in bars and pubs in and around Dallas ahead of the Croatia game.
Indeed, this newspaper spotted a St George’s Cross in the city bearing an offensive slur aimed at the Prime Minister under fire.
FIFA rules, which aim to make matches apolitical events, ban banners, flags or clothing deemed offensive, discriminatory or political. The stadium code of conduct also warns fans ‘not to use offensive language or gestures’.
The Mexican Football Federation is thought to have been fined more than $1 million over time due to fans constantly shouting homophobic slurs.
There is a strong sense of discontent with the Prime Minister amidst the overwhelming support from Britain. This chant has been heard in many recent matches and appears to have crossed the Atlantic for the World Cup.
When England beat Costa Rica 3-0 in Orlando last week, it was heard repeatedly from the standing section behind one of the goals.
On Monday night, there was a huge explosion at various venues, including the Fort Worth Stockyards, where many England fans had gathered.
The St George’s Cross, seen by Daily Mail Sport, bore the message ‘Keir Starmer is a *** e’. The FA is aware of the situation.
