England supporters were told to take down St George’s Cross flags from the stands at Arlington’s Dallas Stadium ahead of the Three Lions’ 2026 World Cup opener against Croatia
England fans forced to remove flags (Image: PA)
Photos have surfaced of some England supporters being ordered to remove St George’s cross flags inside the stadium ahead of the Three Lions’ World Cup opener against Croatia. Delegates traveling around the UK are often seen proudly displaying their own original banners bearing the names of towns and football clubs.
But this time, security guards took exception to the flag inside Arlington’s Dallas Stadium before Thomas Tuchel’s team began their campaign. A group of fans were instructed to take down a flag emblazoned with ‘Arsenal FC – E11’ on the famous cross that had hung on the fence in front of the stands.
Read more: For the latest updates on tonight’s World Cup match, follow our England vs Croatia blog
A second, smaller flag with the Birmingham City badge and name, which had been placed alongside the Arsenal and England flags, also had to be removed.
Supporters had already been informed that flags must not conceal electronic devices during matches and would only be allowed behind the goals.
FIFA and stadium officials say the measures to prevent LED signs from being blocked by flags are a matter of “safety and security.” The LED signs typically display the team name and the message “FIFA World Cup,” but they can also be used to broadcast evacuation orders in the event of an emergency.
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The England Supporters Club (ESC) is said to have been told by officials that fans will not be allowed to display flags on the LED advertising boards around the pitch. Only small flags are allowed inside the ground and must be hung from the rail behind the goal.
ESC arranged for several large banners and flags to be displayed behind the goals. However, regular fans appear to have witnessed their works being removed or confiscated.
Japanese and Dutch fans had problems with flags at Dallas Stadium during Sunday’s draw. Similar problems have not occurred at other grounds.
England fans regularly travel with the flag (Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)
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FIFA’s guidance for fans states: “Small flags, banners and posters made of fire-resistant materials are permitted to be brought into stadiums.” “Large flags, banners, posters, or equipment must be approved in advance.”
Meanwhile, back in their home countries, families have been warned that they could be fined £2,500 for displaying the English flag due to local planning regulations. These are usually free to display from your home without requiring consent, but rules apply in certain circumstances.
If the flag of England is mounted on a flagpole projecting from the side of a building rather than the roof, the flag cannot exceed 2 square meters in size without consent. The government states that “the size of the flag must not exceed 2 square meters”.
Action could be taken if homeowners ignore requests from local authorities to remove flags that violate regulations. Measures can be taken under the Town Planning Regulations and National Planning Regulations, with a maximum fine of £2,500 for breaches. Continued violations after conviction may result in additional daily fines.
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