An Argentine footballer has spoken out on the decision to display a banner referencing the Falkland Islands following their World Cup win.
During full-time celebrations after knocking England out of the tournament on Wednesday (15 July), the players took a sign from their supporters that read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” which translates as “The Falklands are Argentinian.”
Midfielder Leandro Paredes defended his team’s decision to pose with the banner following the game, which he described as “not just a football match”.
“Sadly, it [The Falklands War] is a sad part of our history, for everyone involved in that chapter of our history. And it hurts. We knew we were playing for them too. For all the people, for our entire nation. I believe we did it in the best possible way.”
