The Argentina Falklands banner that sparked outrage after the match against England is reportedly still on the squad.
Argentina players unfurl the Falklands banner after their semi-final victory over England (Image: Getty Images)
Argentina’s players, who caused controversy after their win over England, could once again parade under the Falklands flag at the World Cup final. According to reports from Argentina, the banner reading “Argentina, Son of Los Malvinas”, which means “The Falkland Islands belong to Argentina”, is likely still in the possession of the Argentina national team.
The 2022 world champions defeated England in dramatic fashion on Wednesday night, scoring two late goals to come from behind and secure a place in Sunday’s final against Spain. The match was intense, full of player clashes and flashpoints befitting the long history of rivalry between the two countries, both on and off the field.
As Argentina’s jubilant stars celebrated in front of the fans in high spirits after the match, midfielder Giovani Lo Celso decided to pick up a fan-made banner from the stands that had fallen on the edge of the penalty area. He enlisted the help of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez, who play soccer in England, to unfurl it and hang a banner with the aforementioned political message.
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The message, which is believed to have been spray-painted by a fan on a hotel bedsheet, refers to the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory located off the coast of Argentina. Argentina disputes British sovereignty over the islands, which it calls Las Malvinas.
As such, the banner sparked a backlash from Britain, with many believing it was an insult to the 255 British soldiers who died in the 1982 Falklands War. A British government statement released on Thursday morning reiterated: “The World Cup may not be ours, but the Falkland Islands most certainly is.”
Before the match, authorities had banned banners and flags referencing the Falklands War from entering the stadium. As a result, FIFA, which is considering possible sanctions in the form of fines for the offending players, responded: “As is standard procedure, FIFA’s Independent Disciplinary Committee is currently assessing the match report and considering the relevant circumstances before deciding on further action.”
FIFA may take action against Argentine players (Image: Getty Images)
However, it remains possible that Argentina will unfurl its banners again after the World Cup final against Spain, displaying another defiant attitude and once again risking FIFA punishment. It appears La Albiceleste’s kitman Patricio Aubert still owns the kit.
He posted a banner on his Instagram story with the caption, “For those who may be interested…I’m keeping it safe!” Argentine media outlet La Nación reported that the creators of the banner, whose identities have not been disclosed, were relieved and expressed their intention to take it back.
But for now, it remains with the national team at the team hotel. Whether it will be brought to New York for the final at MetLife Stadium remains the subject of speculation in Argentina, but its return could provoke a harsher response from FIFA.
Bed sheets were taken back to the Argentina team’s hotel (Image: Getty)
The producers managed to evade Atlanta security and waited until the end of the game before starting the match when the commotion in the stands was at its peak. It was discovered by security, who threw it onto the pitch as they feared it would be thrown out of the stadium.
Players have also expressed their views, with some members of the Argentine squad apparently believing it is a moral obligation to fly the flag high. Asked about the banner, midfielder Leandro Paredes said: “And they (Malvinas) will always remain Argentine.”
Manchester United defender Martinez insisted: “We cannot let the Argentine people down.” Meanwhile, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez quickly distanced himself from the controversy.
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