GB News was interrupted for a breaking news announcement ahead of tonight's England game against Croatia in the FIFA 2026 World Cup. Chief US Correspondent Ben Leo branded the tournament the “wokest ever” as he informed viewers that England flags brought to matches for political messaging will be reviewed.
FIFA Flag Policy Sparks Controversy
Leo was broadcasting live from Dallas, Texas, ahead of the England vs. Croatia match. As the breaking news banner flashed across the screen, he reported: “There is some controversy because despite all of the jubilations, the beers flowing today, there was an announcement, a revelation earlier this evening, that FIFA would be reviewing England flags going into games which were over a certain size.”
The rules, according to FIFA, ban any political messages on flags. Such flags would be confiscated at stadiums, and fans found with political flags—such as those targeting Prime Minister Keir Starmer—would be ejected from the stadium. Leo noted that similar incidents occurred during a warm-up game in Orlando, Florida, a week prior.
Free Speech Row Brewing
Leo stated: “So there is a massive free speech row brewing at the moment about that.” He added that many fans he spoke to wanted to bring flags and sing songs, holding the Labour government to account in the colorful way England fans are known for. Now, they face being booted out of stadiums.
Leo remarked: “I hate the word woke, it’s used too much, but so far, this has to be one of the wokest World Cups ever. The banning of flags, the water breaks, the hydration breaks at every 25 minutes…” He claimed the breaks were not about hydration but were commercial opportunities, as advertisements were shown during the pauses.
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