Argentina has accused a British warship of an “illegal journey” into its waters, just hours after its victory against England in the World Cup semi-final.
In a statement on Wednesday night, Pablo Quirno, Argentina’s foreign minister, accused the Royal Navy of a “military incursion” into Argentine waters.
He claimed HMS Medway had entered Argentina’s waters earlier in July without formally notifying the government. In his statement, he said a “formal note of protest” had been lodged with the British embassy to express “the strongest objection” to the action.
But No 10 hit back, claiming it did in fact notify Argentina of the planned trip, which was part of a “routine logistics visit to Chile”.
The prime minister’s official spokesperson said: "The facts here are that we have notified the Argentinian government in advance of HMS Medway taking a routine logistics visit to Chile between 5 and 8 July to support British Antarctic survey operations which will deliver essential stores and supplies to sustain scientific research in Antarctica.
“The Royal Navy always operates in full compliance with international law. Transit from the Falkland Islands to Chile was carried out by the most direct practical route considering operational safety and weather factors to ensure timely delivery."
HMS Medway is a Batch 2 River-class offshore patrol vessel which is normally based in the Falkland Islands.
It comes after Argentina players sparked controversy by holding up a banner that read ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas’, which translates to ‘The Falkland Islands are Argentinian’ following their 2-1 victory against England on Wednesday night.
Political tensions linger between Argentina and the UK over the Falkland Islands, which boiled over into armed conflict in 1982 after Argentina invaded the islands.
Buenos Aires has repeatedly claimed sovereignty over the Falklands, which are about 8,000 miles from Britain and 300 miles from mainland Argentina.
Ahead of the match, Argentina vice-president Victoria Villarruel had described England as “invaders” and “usurping pirates” in the build-up to the fixture, and tweeted a victory message at full-time by saying, “it wasn’t just another match” alongside a video of what appeared to be Argentinian soldiers.
Later on Wednesday, night, she shared images of the players holding the banner, along with a message which translated to: “The Falklands are Argentine! They banned bringing them to the stadium and forgot that we carry them in our blood and our hearts.”
Meanwhile, posting to social media Mr Quirno added: “In diplomacy, the work isn't shouted like goals are, but the same conviction drives us: the pride of being Argentine and the permanent defense of our interests.”
But business secretary Peter Kyle dubbed the banner “completely inappropriate”, urging Fifa to investigate.
“I had left and gone to bed before the banner came onto the pitch, but I saw the images this morning, and of course, it's entirely inappropriate”, he said.
“Politics should stay away from football. That is a very clear principle of the World Cup, but any consequences that come from that is now a decision for Fifa.”
He added: “I certainly think that FIFA should be looking into this. Absolutely, they should.”
Meanwhile, asked about the banner, Downing Street pointed to remarks from the prime minister’s spokesperson on Monday, who said: "The UK's position is clear, the islanders have repeatedly expressed their wish to remain a British territory and their right to self-determination is paramount.
“The Falkland Islanders are British with the right to determine their own future."
Argentina, the defending champions, beat the Three Lions 2-1 in Wednesday’s match in Atlanta.
Argentina fans celebrated their victory jubilantly, with some near the pitch holding a banner which read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas”, translated as the Falkland Islands are Argentinian.
The banner made its way to the players, who held it up as they revelled in their win.
They could face the prospect of disciplinary action from governing body Fifa for violating rules banning political messaging on the pitch.
Downing Street and the Ministry of Defence have been contacted for comment.
