A group of Argentina fans has escalated tensions ahead of Wednesday's World Cup semi-final against England by burning the Union Jack. The footage, recorded in Escobar near Buenos Aires, shows gleeful Argentines setting the flag alight while chanting: "He who doesn't jump is an Englishman."
Video Sparks Outrage Online
In the video, cheers erupt as the fire takes hold, with bystanders jumping up and down. The incident reportedly occurred after Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 on Saturday night, the same day England secured their semi-final spot. The two nations have not faced each other since a 2005 friendly.
The Union Jack carries historical weight due to its use by British soldiers during the Falklands War and its presence on the Falkland Islands' flag. Social media users mocked the act, with one asking: "Are they that dumb or what?" Another commented: "Burning the flag of Great Britain thinking it's England's just proves that the biggest enemy of the Argentine isn't the English, it's the geography book."
Argentina Players Sing About Falklands
After their win over Switzerland, Argentina's players were filmed chanting: "For the Malvinas, for Diego [Maradona], for Leo's [Lionel Messi] last one" in their dressing room. However, manager Lionel Scaloni urged calm, stating: "The message is this is a football game. We will be playing against a very tough opponent, they have an excellent coach, it is a football game and that is all."
Forward Jose Lopez acknowledged the broader context: "Obviously, inside and outside the four lines of the pitch it's a match that has a lot of history there, a lot of pain and a lot of things behind it. I think we are professionals and we’re going to play it like we play every game: until the last second, leaving our lives on the field."
England vs Argentina: A Storied Rivalry
The football rivalry between England and Argentina is steeped in history, including the 1986 World Cup quarter-final where Diego Maradona scored the "Hand of God" goal and the "Goal of the Century." Off the pitch, the Falklands War of 1982 remains a sensitive issue. The upcoming semi-final promises high emotion, with both teams vying for a place in the final.
