Argentina’s players are trying to escape FIFA sanctions for displaying banners supporting the country’s claim to the Falkland Islands by shifting the blame onto their fans. Footballers sparked outrage and a “keep your hands off” warning from Downing Street by dancing with placards that read “Falkland Islanders are Argentinians” in Spanish after their World Cup semi-final against England.
Midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, who plays for Spain’s Real Betis, was one of the players who held up the banner of attack. “They just threw one from the stands and the players grabbed it,” defender Gonzalo Montiel claimed in an attempt to blame his country’s supporters, with the controversy over the decision to mix football and politics showing no signs of abating today.
Argentine journalist Nelson Castro added: “It’s an interesting detail, because it was unclear how the flag got there. Someone threw it on the field and handed it to the players.”
Argentine fans had been warned not to attempt to enter Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium with flags containing references to the Falkland Islands.
The South American country’s national security minister, Alejandra Monteoliva, acknowledged before the match that the match would be considered “political.”
Hours before kick-off, she said: “Flags with political content will not be allowed. Flags of Argentina or Great Britain will be allowed, but anything with messages that could cause an incident of any kind will not be allowed.”
“You will not be allowed to enter with bottles or other items that contain provocative messages, including those that are political, hateful, or promote racial or religious intolerance.”
But asked on an Argentine radio station about Falkland Island’s regulations regarding fan chants, she added: “You can’t ban chants and you can’t silence people.”
Midfielder Leandro Paredes told reporters after the match that Falkland “will always be Argentina”.
Reform leader Nigel Farage said: “We are disgusted by the actions of some Argentine players last night, but the most important thing is that we urgently strengthen the Royal Navy.”
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said: “The Falkland Islands are British territory and the Conservative Party will always protect them.”
