Argentina players displayed a political banner after knocking England out of the FIFA World Cup. They pulled a “The Malvinas Islands belong to Argentina” banner from the stands and danced around with it on the pitch after the game.
The Malvinas Islands, commonly known as the Falkland Islands, are a self-governing British Overseas Territory located 300 miles east of Argentina. The South American country claim it as their own, but the people have always been loyal to the British.
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In 1982, a war broke out for control of the Islands, which resulted over 900 deaths, including 3 civilians and just under 650 Argentines. The 74-day war was followed by more pressure in 2013, when 1514 civilians of the Islands voted in favour of remaining a British Overseas Territory, while three voted to join Argentina.
Argentina and England have a long-running sore relationship over these Islands, with both claiming rights to them. The political history was refreshed ahead of the FIFA World Cup semifinal meeting, and the Argentina fans brought a ‘Las Malvinas Son Argentinas’ banner, which Lisandro Martinez and Giovani Lo Celso brought to the pitch after the game.
The players were seen dancing around with the banner, which could result in sanctions, as it goes against FIFA’s Stadium Code of Conduct, which bans all paraphernalia of a political, offensive, or discriminatory nature.
England manager said Argentina players could be motivated ahead of FIFA World Cup clash
England manager Thomas Tuchel spoke about the Falkland Islands ahead of the game, revealing that it was not something on his mind. He added that his players were also not thinking about it as it does not concern them, but added that it could be something that motivated the Argentina players. He said:
“For us, I don’t think it’s important to bring up the history because it has nothing to do with us, and it won’t help us. We know history is a very important part of Argentine culture, and that it gives them an extra boost, which is understandable, but it doesn’t help us. We’re here to play a football match.”
England were leading the FIFA World Cup semifinal 1-0 until the 85th minute thanks to Anthony Gordon, but Enzo Fernandez scored a late equaliser. Lautaro Martinez then sealed the win in the fourth minute of added time, with Lionel Messi assisting both goals for Argentina.
The defending champions will now face Spain in the final, while England face France in the third-place play-off.
Edited by Sripad