FIFA and the Poppy Scandal

**Lord Snooty** · 02-11-2016, 20:47

So football's world governing body have told England and Scotland that they will not be allowed to wear poppies in the World Cup qualifier.
They don't allow any political or religious symbols to be worn on international shirts. Some, nay most people, say the poppy isn't political or religious, it's a symbol of remembrance.
Even Therese May has been getting her knickers in a twist about it today.
What do you think?

Amelia Chaffinch · 02-11-2016, 20:50

I think it's a bad decision given that both the FA and SFA requested it.

**themaclad** · 02-11-2016, 20:53

Just do it wear them after all they let Argentina parade a flag before the game in respect of their claim to the Falkland's

**Lord Snooty** · 02-11-2016, 21:05

I say just wear them. What are FIFA gonna do? Fine them?
Well if they do, just give the money to the poppy appeal instead.

**St Charles Owl** · 02-11-2016, 21:37

Just seen breaking news (not sure of the reliability yet though) that the FA have decided that they will be wearing poppy armbands anyway despite what FIFA are saying. It said the FA have already spoken to FIFA about the likely sanctions for disobeying their ruling and are prepared to take a 1 or 2 point deduction if they have to. Scotland on the other hand are probably not willing to do that as their qualifications hangs in the balance already and a points deduction would probably kill them off.

**Lord Snooty** · 02-11-2016, 23:16

Andy Murray's wearing one at the Paris Masters.

ritchiebaby · 02-11-2016, 23:59

Both teams should be wearing the poppy. As far as I'm concerned, FIFA can ban Scotland from all future competitions, because we'll not be winning, perhaps not even qualifying, them anyway. Considering all the fraud that's been going on at FIFA for years, them making a fuss about abiding by the rules just beggars belief. Angry

**St Charles Owl** · (This post was last modified: 03-11-2016, 00:18 by St Charles Owl.)

Looks like both teams will defy this ban, and rightly so!! Commemorating those who died for their country is something every country should do no matter what the situation or eventual outcome of any war is. Rarely are the soldiers on the ground responsible for or part of the decision to send them into harm's way so remembering their sacrifice should not be politicized!! This is where the Yanks are far ahead of us in being absolutely solid in their thanks for the men and women who have died in the name of their country, no matter the conflict or the politics surrounding it!!!

http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/37853386

0762 · (This post was last modified: 03-11-2016, 02:30 by 0762.)

But we are solid in respect of Remembrance Day anyway! Also it's only one footie match that we are referring to and the players could quite easily display poppies on their pre-match tracksuits if they choose to do so.and a pragmatic approach prevails! There are thousands of events up n down the country as well and many people choose to display a red poppy, others opt for the white peace poppy distributed by the Earl Haig foundation. Some people wear both poppies and other folk don't display anything - it's all down to a personal choice and regard for this respectful occasion and I'm damn sure that one miniscule omission in a footie match that has been massively highlighted by our media will not dampen the occasion one jot! Maybe both footie associations should've considered arranging the fixture to a more appropriate date anyway instead of it clashing with Armistice Day! Rolleyes

hibeejim21 · (This post was last modified: 03-11-2016, 11:07 by hibeejim21.)

As much as I don't think FIFA and UEFA should be deciding what's political or not,the real shame with poppies is how they've been hijacked by the self righteous and right wing xenophobes. (hello sevco)

When Scotland played England in 1999 the teams didn't have poppies on their shirts despite it being the day before Remembrance Sunday. And not a xxxx was given.

What's changed?