Argentina refuse to let England feud die as fans display stolen flags | Football | Sport

Fresh from the feud between England and Argentina during the World Cup, supporters from the South American nation have displayed flags stolen from Three Lions fans from the most recent and 1986 tournaments.

England’s defeat to Argentina in the United States was the latest chapter of the conflict between the nations. The dispute over the Falkland Islands came to the fore once again as a group of Argentine players brandished a sheet with the message “Las Malvinas Son Argentinas”, The Falklands ​are Argentine.

In the years immediately following the Falklands War, England played Argentina in the 1986 World Cup. Diego Maradona sparked controversy with the Hand of God and astounded with a solo effort to earn his country a win on their way to becoming champions of the world.

And 40 years on, Argentina fans are still brandishing the spoils from that victory. At Chacarita’s Primera Nacional Group B match against Agropecuario, supporters in the home side’s band displayed flags stolen from English fans.

A St George’s cross with Stalybridge Celtic written across it was on show, as was a Union Jack with Leicester, in addition to a number of other England flags. They were displayed alongside displays of Argentine pride and Las Malvinas son Argentinas.

Since hostile clashes following the Maradona-inspired win, similar scenes have sporadically been seen across Argentinian football. Similar scenes occurred in the aftermath of England’s semi-final defeat. Fans of Godoy Cruz displayed flags that read “Boys and Girls from Oakwell, Barnsley”, “Big Al”, “Y-Bird” and “South Croydon”.

The display at Chacarita, was perhaps more poignant. The team also adorn controversial kit.

The team recently confirmed their 120th anniversary jersey’s, a reissue of the one they wore in 1931. The shirt is inscribed with “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” in the typography of the flag unfurled by the Argentine national team players in the World Cup.

In the aftermath of Argentina’s celebrations over England, the government of the Falkland Islands said it was “disappointed but not surprised” about the banner being displayed.

“We do not wish to see politics being brought into sport” a statement read. “Nor do we wish the Islands and their people to be used as a political football in every conversation about England and Argentina”.

Argentina vice-president Victoria Villarruel said that “it wasn’t just another match” alongside a video which seemed to show Argentine soldiers. “The Falklands are Argentine,” Villarruel posted.

“They banned bringing them to the stadium and forgot that we carry them in our blood and our hearts.”