A Chelsea supporter displayed a Falkland Islands flag as Enzo Fernandez came onto the pitch during Saturday's friendly win over Real Sociedad. The Argentine, who replaced Reece James, received a mixed reaction from the Stamford Bridge crowd.
Background of the Falklands Banner
Fernandez was part of Argentina's World Cup squad, with the group drawing attention for several references to the Falklands. After their 2-1 semi-final victory over England, a group of players held up a banner reading 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas' - 'The Falklands are Argentine.'
Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez, former Premier League stars Cristian Romero and Julian Alvarez were among those pictured with the sign. It was initially brought into the stadium in Atlanta by supporters but made its way onto the pitch after full-time.
Official Reactions
At the time, the UK government urged officials to investigate the 'egregious violation of the rules' on political messaging inside stadiums. Article 34.3 of the tournament's rules prohibit the display of any political messages or slogans by players before, during or after a match.
The Falkland Islands' Government also urged FIFA to sanction the Argentinian football team. In a statement, they told Mirror Football: "The Falkland Islands Government is disappointed – though regrettably not surprised - that the Argentine football team decided to tarnish the result of last night's World Cup football semi-final - a game that did not in any case involve the Falkland Islands.
"That said, it is hardly news to anyone that the people of the Islands were victims of an aggressive invasion in 1982, which left many traumatised. The banner displayed by Argentina last night, therefore, was particularly insensitive for many people in the Falklands."It is the avowed policy of the Falkland Islands Government that we do not wish to see politics being brought into sport. Nor do we wish the Islands and their people to be used as a political football in every conversation about England and Argentina."We welcome the UK Government’s supportive statement this morning. As Business Secretary Peter Kyle highlighted, the World Cup has as one of its central tenets that politics is separate from football.
"We hope FIFA will make good on their promise to keep politics out of sport, and sanction all behaviour of this nature in line with its own rules."
FIFA has confirmed it has opened disciplinary proceedings against the World Cup runners-up for breaches relating to team misconduct, security and protocol failures, inappropriate messages displayed, and the use of discriminatory chants and gestures.
Transfer Speculation
Meanwhile, speculation continues around Fernandez's future, with the midfielder emerging as a top target for Manchester City as the summer transfer window enters its final weeks.
Enzo Maresca is keen to reunite with the Argentine, and interested clubs were told they had until 5pm BST last Friday [August 14] to meet Chelsea's valuation - though it is understood Chelsea have not received a bid.
City, however, do not believe the saga is over and feel Chelsea could still be open to selling their vice-captain, who returned to training this week following the World Cup. They are seeking a replacement for Rodri, who is edging closer to a move to Barcelona.
