A group of Barrow fans have been banned from bringing England flags to the Three Lions World Cup opener against Croatia in a bizarre ruling that saw MPs raise the issue in Parliament.
A group of England fans are banned from bringing flags to the Three Lions’ World Cup opener (Image: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)
FIFA has confirmed there is a call from parliament for changes to the World Cup rules after a group of supporters were banned from bringing the England flag into Dallas Stadium. Barrow fan John Little was shocked to learn he would not be allowed to display St George’s Cross in the Three Lions’ opening game against Croatia because of the submarine in his local team’s emblem.
FIFA’s comprehensive rules prohibit flags displaying weapons from being brought onto grounds at this summer’s tournaments, regardless of the circumstances. And because the submarine belongs to the military, Little and his friends were denied the opportunity to fly an English flag emblazoned with Barrow at the home of the Dallas Cowboys earlier this month.
And now Barrow and Furness MP Michelle Scrogham has raised the issue in Parliament in the hope that the rules will be overturned in Little’s case. She said: “The Barrow AFC crest is a proud symbol of our town’s identity, history and achievements.
“The submarine is not a political statement, but a reflection of the generations of skilled workers who have built a world-class industry here in Barrow-in-Furness.”
Mrs Scrogham also tabled a motion in the House of Commons co-signed by Labor MPs Paul Foster and Cat Smith. Mr Scrogham added: “FIFA’s decision to ban supporters from displaying this emblem at the World Cup is extremely disappointing and misunderstands its true meaning.”
“I am calling on FIFA to reconsider and adopt a better approach that respects the cultural and historical significance of community symbols while engaging with clubs and their fans and ensuring that football remains welcoming to all.”
It comes after Barrow took the uniquely bold step last week to blur out the submarine on Little’s badge as an interim measure so he could pay tribute to his club at the World Cup.
The National League side wrote to
In another sly jab, the club also tagged FIFA’s official social media channels, asking whether they should also remove the arrow on the badge, given that it is technically a weapon. This comes as England beat Croatia 4-2 in their opening World Cup match, lifting Thomas Tuchel’s side to the top of the Group L table.
A brace from Harry Kane, further goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford, and a first-half strike from Martin Baturina and Petar Moussa gave the Three Lions three points.
England’s next match will be against Ghana on Tuesday 23rd June at 9pm at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The African nation also entered the match in good form after defeating Panama 1-0 in their first match of the tournament.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
England’s 2026 World Cup kit
Various prices
kit bag
Buy now at Kitbag
England and Nike have launched new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. Use code DEAL to receive free shipping on all orders.
