It was “entirely inappropriate” for Argentinian players to wave a banner in support of their country’s claims to the Falkland Islands after their World Cup semi-final win against England, senior minister Peter Kyle has said.
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.
Asked about the Argentinian players’ move, Business Secretary Mr Kyle told the BBC: “My reaction is that it was entirely inappropriate.
“Politics needs to be separate from football.
“In fact, the World Cup has one of its central tenets that politics is separate from football.
“That is now a matter for Fifa. I expect Fifa to do its investigation thoroughly.”
He continued: “We expect Fifa to undertake an investigation into this.
“I think it was certain to happen because it was such an egregious violation of the the rules of not having political activity as part of the football.”
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