Football chiefs face wrath of PM over ban on player poppies
Fifa urged to axe ‘crazy’ block on war dead tributes at Armistice Day game
FOOTBALL bosses at Fifa were last night standing firm over their ban on Scotland and England players wearing poppies during next week’s World Cup qualifier.
The body has ruled having the symbols on armbands could be seen as a ‘political statement’.
But veterans, politicians and charities have lashed out at the ‘crazy’ decision – with Prime Minister Theresa May backing calls for Fifa to change its mind.
A spokesman for Mrs May said: ‘The Prime Minister and the Government’s view is that people should be able to wear poppies with pride.’
The game between Scotland and England is due to take place at Wembley on Armistice Day, when the nation traditionally remembers and honours its war dead.
It had been hoped that the November 11 match would offer a rare chance to unite in tribute.
England’s Football Association (FA) and the Scottish Football Association (SFA) have contacted Fifa and are in talks to have the ban lifted or find a compromise.
SFA chief Stewart Regan said he and FA chief executive Martin Glenn would be holding a joint meeting with Fifa officials tomorrow.
He told BBC Radio 5 live: ‘We will be asking for their support to try to give the people of England and Scotland what they want – to use this match of as a way of remembering people who lost their lives in the war. This is not about making some political point.’
Fifa rules state that teams must not display any symbol which may be viewed as a political or religious statement. But critics of the ban insisted last night the poppy ‘is not a political symbol’.
A spokesman for the British Legion added: ‘We see no reason why the poppy should be banned from players’ shirts.
‘We are working closely with the FA to ensure the commitment and sacrifice of our Armed Forces is recognised during the Armistice Day match at Wembley.’
Scotland players had to wear black armbands on Armistice Day in 2011 during a friendly against Cyprus amid a ban on poppies on football shirts. A compromise was
‘Treating people like cattle’
reached between the SFA and Fifa then – and the SFA yesterday confirmed officials were speaking to bosses at the FA and Fifa to find ‘an outcome that enables both teams and their respective fans to pay appropriate respect’.
Members of the SFA and FA also want to know what – if any – punishment might be meted out by Fifa if the poppy is worn.
Falklands veteran Simon Weston is among those calling on the associations to defy Fifa’s ruling and ‘pay any fine Fifa has to give them’.
He told The Sun: ‘The FAs of both Scotland and England should stand up and be counted. Both countries took part in both World Wars and should take the lead.
‘This is not a political gesture. Who are Fifa? A bunch of people who make a hell of a lot of money and turn round and treat people like cattle. How dare they?’
Labour MP Ian Murray, who represents Edinburgh South, has submitted an Early Day Motion for a debate on the matter in the House of Commons.
Mr Murray, founding trustee of the McCrae’s Battalion Trust, said: ‘Fifa must allow the national teams of both England and Scotland to commemorate those who gave the ultimate sacrifice by wearing the poppy in the World Cup qualifying match on Armistice Day.
‘The poppy is a worldwide symbol of solidarity, peace and remembrance. This year, commemorations are additionally poignant as it is the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, when so many on all sides fell.’
The Scottish Conservatives sport spokesman Brian Whittle said: ‘While not many things are more important than Scotland v England in football, this is one of them.
‘It’s something that brings both countries together and it’s crazy to think wearing the poppy would be banned at an event like this.
‘There will be overwhelming public support on both sides of the Border for players commemorating those who made the ultimate sacrifice.’
Poppies became a symbol of troops’ sacrifice after Canadian poet Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae wrote In Flanders Fields, describing how poppies grew amid the fallen soldiers’ graves.
They are made and sold by the Royal British Legion, while Poppy Scotland is responsible for them in Scotland. They are made in an Edinburgh factory by veterans and the appeal is the charity’s biggest annual fundraiser.
Last night, a spokesman for Fifa said: ‘Talks are planned and ongoing.’