England supporters have reportedly been warned they risk being ejected from US stadiums should they make anti-Sir Keir Starmer chants throughout the World Cup. Fans are gearing up to cheer on Thomas Tuchel's side, who kick off their campaign in North America on Wednesday against Croatia (9pm BST).
Tuchel's team are in Group L with matches against Ghana and Panama to follow Wednesday's fixture in Texas. The Three Lions will be chasing a first major trophy since their 1966 World Cup triumph.
And one person likely to feel the wrath of England fans in North America is U.K. Prime Minister Starmer. Large sections of travelling supporters were heard singing 'Keir Starmer's a w****r' during England's second pre-tournament friendly in Orlando last week.
The chant is said to have already been sung in bars and pubs in and around Dallas ahead of the Croatia match, reports the Daily Mail. The anti-Prime Minister song, set to the tune of 'Seven Nation Army' by The White Stripes, has become increasingly common at England games in recent months as Starmer struggles to gain popularity in Britain.
But Three Lions' supporters risk being punished by FIFA. The football governing body has rules aimed at making matches apolitical events, prohibiting banners, flags, apparel, or clothing deemed offensive, discriminatory, or political. Its stadium code of conduct also warns fans not to 'use offensive language or gestures'.
Meanwhile, it is claimed in the Daily Mail that several fans whose St George's crosses feature images of British servicemen have been unable to gain permission to display them at venues. It is said this is due to the inclusion of a soldier's silhouette holding a rifle, which breaches FIFA's guidelines.
The FA has reportedly been in talks with FIFA to find a resolution before England's opening match. Supporters have been advised that they are welcome to bring their flags to the stadium, but should be prepared for stewards to refuse entry with them.
This potential situation leaves those affected facing a difficult dilemma. Many fans have spent hundreds of pounds on specially-commissioned flags and would need to find a safe place to store them at short notice, or risk missing the match altogether. Images of poppies on flags are permitted.
An FA spokesperson told the Mail: 'We have advised our fans that FIFA can prevent flags with sensitive or political content entering the stadiums. Our team are on hand at the ground to help review flags if needed to avoid any problems occurring.'
