Alexis Mac Allister's mother Silvina Riela has revealed she will not participate in anti-England chants during the World Cup semi-final, citing her English-born granddaughter. Argentina face England on Wednesday in Atlanta in a highly anticipated match steeped in historical rivalry.
Change of Heart After Living in England
Riela, speaking to Buenos Aires' Radio Mitre, explained that her negative perception of England changed after her son's spells with Brighton and Liverpool. “I had a rather negative impression of England... due to the cold and the lack of sunshine. In my ignorance, I used to say, ‘I hope we never end up in England,’” she said. “But now that I've experienced it, everything has changed, even the way I see the people. I expected to encounter cold, distant people, but they are actually very polite and respectful. We were welcomed by a country that has treated us in the best possible way.”
Granddaughter Keeps Her Seated
Riela confirmed her granddaughter, born in England, is the primary reason she refrains from joining anti-England chants. “There is that situation involving England, stemming somewhat from the history regarding the Malvinas Islands. As (Argentina manager Lionel) Scaloni said, it's just a football match,” she said. “My granddaughter was born in England. So, when everyone sings, ‘Whoever doesn't jump is English,’ I stay seated with her. I can't join in on that; I don't participate in that part.”
Mac Allister's Role and Respect for England
Mac Allister, 27, has started every game but one for Argentina in the tournament, scoring in the quarter-final win against Switzerland. He also addressed the rivalry, saying: “We understand the context behind it, all the rivalry stemming from past events and history. Obviously, we also realise that this isn't the fault of their people or ours, but rather those in positions of power, so we shouldn't conflate the two. I have a lot of respect for (England); I've been there for six years now, and they've always treated me incredibly well.”
Background of Rivalry
Argentina players have been seen singing about the Falkland Islands before the match, and some supporters have shared video montages of the conflict. The match is the latest chapter in a long-running international rivalry, with tensions high. However, Riela's stance highlights a personal perspective that transcends the political and historical disputes.
