England fans risk being thrown out of World Cup stadiums if they break FIFA's rules on political flags or engage in offensive chanting about Prime Minister Keir Starmer, according to reports.
FIFA Flag Restrictions
Under guidelines set by football's global governing body, flags of a political, offensive, or discriminatory nature are prohibited. Fans wishing to take a flag larger than two by 1.5 metres must obtain written permission before arriving at the stadium. As part of the application process, pictures of the flag must be submitted.
One media report suggests some supporters were told a flag bearing the silhouette of a soldier holding a rifle would not be allowed.
Starmer Flag Incident
GB News reports that the Football Association is aware of one England flag stating, "Keir Starmer is a n**ce." Such a flag would also not be permitted inside stadiums, according to The People's Channel, which reports that fans who fall foul of the rules risk being thrown out of grounds. Negative chanting about the Prime Minister also reportedly risks fans being ejected from stadiums.
FA Statement
Ahead of tonight's match in Dallas, an FA spokesman said the association has advised our fans that FIFA can prevent flags with sensitive or political content being taken into stadiums. He added: "Our team are on hand at the ground to help review flags if needed to avoid any problems occurring."
Inconsistent Enforcement
A court in Los Angeles on Monday ruled in FIFA's favour to prevent Iran fans from taking the country's pre-revolutionary flag into stadiums. Ronan Evain, Executive Director of Football Supporters Europe, told the Guardian the rules have not been applied consistently across venues. He said there was no consistent rule and FIFA's code of conduct is "very broad", with a lack of clarity over what kind of symbols are permitted and not permitted.
Fan Atmosphere
Outside stadiums, supporters have created a sea of England flags, worn fancy dress, draped themselves in St George's flags, and sung chants ahead of England vs Croatia. Before England's Group L opener, Sir Keir said on Tuesday: "Tomorrow, we can dare to dream again because we have a brilliant Three Lions squad, packed with all the talent and experience to get that second star on the shirt. Like every England fan, I’ll be roaring on Thomas Tuchel, Harry Kane and the entire England squad. Come on England."
