England vs Argentina flag ban confirmed as statement made | Football | Sport
England vs Argentina will take place at the Atlanta Stadium (Image: Getty)
Argentina fans will be banned from showing any form of political message regarding the Falklands during the World Cup semi-final vs England, one of the country’s most prominent politicians has confirmed. Some of the build-up to the match has been dominated by mentions of the 1982 conflict, with concerns that it could lead to violence between both sets of supporters.
Argentina players referenced the conflict in chants during celebrations following their win over Egypt last week, while the country’s vice president referred to England as ‘usurping pirates’ in an eyebrow-raising social media post in the build-up to the game. The war saw 907 people lose their lives during the 74-day conflict.
There is a fear that tensions could boil over when the two sides meet in a bid to face Spain in the final on Sunday. The European champions came out as 2-0 winners over France on Tuesday night and now await the discovery of their opponents.
Ahead of the semi-final in Atlanta, Argentina’s security minister, Alejandra Monteoliva, has confirmed that any material referencing the Falklands will be strictly prohibited at tonight’s fixture. “No one will be allowed to enter with flags or political messages related to the Falklands,” she said.
“A flag, a t-shirt, a rag, anything that has a message with political content or racial provocation.”
FIFA rigorously prohibits political messages, slogans, and interference throughout all fixtures and, earlier in the competition, banned England flags bearing a Barrow logo due to the submarine being considered ‘political’, and Iran’s pre-revolutionary Lion and Sun flag – though this was defied by numerous supporters and spotted at World Cup stadiums.
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Iran’s pre-revolutionary flags were banned from stadiums. (Image: Getty)
Authorities have confirmed that heightened security arrangements will be implemented for England’s fixture, which has been classified as the highest risk. “As Atlanta prepares to host an upcoming FIFA World Cup semi-final match and welcomes increased numbers of residents and visitors, the Atlanta Police Department has enhanced its citywide public safety and security posture,” a statement from Atlanta police announced.
“Extra officers and resources have already been deployed and will remain strategically positioned in and around the event locations, entertainment quarters, and other busy zones to help guarantee a secure and pleasant experience for all.
“These proactive measures are designed to protect the public, deter criminal activity, and ensure residents and visitors can safely enjoy this historic event.”
Tensions have already been running high, with a group of Argentina supporters caught on camera burning the Union Jack near Buenos Aires, following their nation’s quarter-final victory over Switzerland, which secured their place in the semi-finals. The country’s vice president, Victoria Villaruel, also launched a scathing attack on England via social media.
“Tomorrow we play against the usurping pirates,” she said. “This isn’t just another match. I’m not going to be politically correct or cold-hearted; against the English, it’s always something more. It’s the Malvinas, it’s Diego, it’s Leo’s [Messi] last one, go Argentina! Because until our last breath, we’re going to claim what’s ours!”
Monteoliva also confirmed that US authorities have been provided with a list of more than 30,000 individuals who are prohibited from attending sporting events. It has further been reported that Argentine supporters who attempted to circumvent security checks have already been identified.
Setting aside the political backdrop, this fixture carries considerable historical weight and it marks the first encounter between the two nations at a World Cup since the group stage clash in 2002, when England triumphed 1-0 courtesy of a David Beckham penalty.
Their two previous meetings were steeped in controversy, with Beckham receiving a red card during the penalty shootout defeat in 1998, preceding Diego Maradona’s notorious ‘Hand of God’ goal in 1986.
Despite all the pre-match hype, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has urged everyone to keep the focus firmly on the football itself.
David Beckham scored the only goal of the game in the last World Cup meeting va Argentina (Image: Getty)
“The message to the Argentine people is that this is a soccer match,” he said. “We’re going to face a great team with a great coach, but it is just a soccer match, nothing more than that.”
The match sees England attempting to reach the final for the first time since they lifted the trophy back in 1966. Argentina, meanwhile, are bidding to retain the title they claimed four years ago in Qatar.
Spain secured their spot in the showpiece finale in New York on Tuesday evening. Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro delivered a commanding 2-0 victory over tournament favourites France.
