EU wants its flag on England shirts
ENGLAND’S footballers could be forced to wear European Union flags on their shirts alongside the Three Lions.
Britain’s Olympic athletes and the other home nations teams may also have to wear the symbol.
Commission chiefs want the EU’s blue and gold flag to be given pride of place at major sporting occasions, including the World Cup and Olympics. The controversial proposal was buried in a document drawn up by a European Parliament committee on culture and education and titled “An integrated approach to sport policy”.
Last night the plans provoked fury and calls to speed up Brexit.
MEP Patrick O’Flynn, Ukip’s sports spokesman, said the idea was “outrageous”.
He added: “The sooner we are rid of the ring of stars the better. Why on Earth would we put them on the chests of our great sportsmen and women?”
Conservative MEP Emma McClarkin dismissed the plan as “daft”.
Under the plans national flags displayed around a stadium would also need to be accompanied by the EU flag.
The document says major sports events provide “a great opportunity for organised sports to promote positive values” and as a “driver for tourism and local businesses”.
The report was approved by the European Parliament and will now be considered by the EU’s executive arm before legislation takes place.