England fans may be kicked out for Keir Starmer chant at World Cup | Football | Sport
England fans have reportedly been warned they face ejection from US stadiums if they continue to sing anti-Sir Keir Starmer chants throughout the World Cup. Supporters are gearing up to cheer on Thomas Tuchel’s side, who kick off their campaign in North America on Wednesday against Croatia (9pm BST).
Tuchel’s squad find themselves in Group L, with fixtures against Ghana and Panama to follow Wednesday’s opener in Texas with the Three Lions desperate to claim their first major honour since their historic 1966 World Cup victory. One figure likely to bear the brunt of England fans’ frustration in North America is U.K. Prime Minister Starmer.
Large sections of travelling supporters were heard chanting ‘Keir Starmer‘s a w****r’ during England’s second pre-tournament friendly in Orlando last week. The chant has reportedly already been ringing out in bars and pubs across Dallas ahead of the Croatia clash, according to the Daily Mail.
The anti-Prime Minister song, sung to the tune of ‘Seven Nation Army’ by The White Stripes, has grown increasingly prevalent at England matches in recent months as Starmer continues to struggle with his popularity back home. However, Three Lions supporters risk facing punishment from FIFA.
The football governing body enforces rules designed to keep matches free from political interference, banning banners, flags, and clothing considered offensive, discriminatory, or political in nature. Its stadium code of conduct also cautions fans against using ‘offensive language or gestures’.
Meanwhile, the Daily Mail reports that a number of supporters whose St George’s crosses feature images of British servicemen have been denied permission to display them at venues. This is understood to be due to the presence of a soldier’s silhouette holding a rifle, which falls foul of FIFA’s regulations.
The FA has reportedly been in discussions with FIFA in a bid to reach a resolution ahead of England’s opening fixture. Fans have been advised they are welcome to bring their flags to the stadium, but should be prepared for stewards to turn them away at the gates. The prospect leaves those affected in an unenviable position.
Many supporters have forked out hundreds of pounds on specially-made flags and would be forced to find somewhere safe to store them at short notice, or risk missing the match entirely. Flags bearing images of poppies are, however, permitted. An FA spokesperson told the Mail: “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.”
