Argentina’s players are trying to wriggle out of FIFA sanctions for flaunting a banner in support of the country’s claims to the Falkland Islands by shifting the blame to their own fans. The footballers sparked fury – and a ‘Hands Off’ warning from Downing Street – by dancing with the sign saying: “The Falklands are Argentinian” in Spanish following their World Cup semi-final comeback against England.
Midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, who plays for Spanish side Real Betis, was among the players who held up the offensive sign. Seeking to blame their own supporters as the controversy over their decision to mix football with politics showed no signs of abating today, defender Gonzalo Montiel insisted: “They just threw one down from the stands and the boys grabbed it.”
Argentinian journalist Nelson Castro added: “An interesting detail, because it wasn’t known how the flag had gotten there. Someone threw it onto the field, and they gave it to the players.”
Argentina fans had been warned not to try to enter Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium with flags containing references to the Falklands.
The South American country’s National Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva confirmed ahead of the match it would be considered “political content”.
She said hours before kick-off: “Flags with political content are not allowed. Argentine or English flags are permitted, but nothing that contains any message that could provoke any kind of incident.
“It will not be possible to enter with bottles or with any item that contains a provocative message: political, hateful, or promoting racial or religious intolerance.”
But quizzed on an Argentine radio station about Falkland Island restrictions when it came to fans’ chants, she added: “You can’t ban a chant or silence people.”
Midfielder Leandro Paredes told a reporter after the match the Falklands “will always be Argentine.”
Reform leader Nigel Farage said: “Whilst I am disgusted at the behaviour of some Argentinian players last night, the most important thing to do is build up the Royal Navy quickly.”
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said: “The Falkland Islands are British. The Conservatives will always defend them.”