Really? Come on now...... that means you're going to allow all political slogans and banners to be waved by all the countries in FIFA? Even by fans? What if the Irish fans who are militant started waving anti-British, pro-IRA banners in rememberance of that part of our colourful historical past? Or any of our former subjects of the British Empire were to do the same by wearing and waving anti-British, anti-Monarchical images and symbols? Or any of the Baltic states to do the same against each other of their continued hate within FYR and neighboring countries? We could go on and on...... it's all just going to incite more violence in the world. There's enough conflicts around as it is. I mean why is Israel in UEFA, so that Israel should have to play against their neighbors for FIFA qualifying? Or Turkey? Why isn't there a Middle-Eastern regional FA instead of that region being considered in the ASIA FC? That's political enough, isn't it?FIFA should **** off. We should stop being so ****ing precious.
Of course it's political. Of course it should be allowed.
YappyReally? Come on now...... that means you're going to allow all political slogans and banners to be waved by all the countries in FIFA? Even by fans? What if the Irish fans who are militant started waving anti-British, pro-IRA banners in rememberance of that part of our colourful historical past? Or any of our former subjects of the British Empire were to do the same by wearing and waving anti-British, anti-Monarchical images and symbols? Or any of the Baltic states to do the same against each other of their continued hate within FYR and neighboring countries? We could go on and on...... it's all just going to incite more violence in the world. There's enough conflicts around as it is. I mean why is Israel in UEFA, so that Israel should have to play against their neighbors for FIFA qualifying? Or Turkey? Why isn't there a Middle-Eastern regional FA instead of that region being considered in the ASIA FC? That's political enough, isn't it?
It's amazing that most of the Scottish, while some are talking about Independence, are subjugated enough that they just sit there with poppies instead, if wearing that is all that it symbolizes.
It's a non-debate. FIFA is right.
If it's a non debate there is no point in responding to your rant. A nation is a political concept, a national shirt is a political statement, adding more political statements to it which reflect the prevalent views in the nation is fine in my book. If England turn out with a 'Taking Back Control' slogan on their chests, it's what the majority believe. Apparently.Really? Come on now...... that means you're going to allow all political slogans and banners to be waved by all the countries in FIFA? Even by fans? What if the Irish fans who are militant started waving anti-British, pro-IRA banners in rememberance of that part of our colourful historical past? Or any of our former subjects of the British Empire were to do the same by wearing and waving anti-British, anti-Monarchical images and symbols? Or any of the Baltic states to do the same against each other of their continued hate within FYR and neighboring countries? We could go on and on...... it's all just going to incite more violence in the world. There's enough conflicts around as it is. I mean why is Israel in UEFA, so that Israel should have to play against their neighbors for FIFA qualifying? Or Turkey? Why isn't there a Middle-Eastern regional FA instead of that region being considered in the ASIA FC? That's political enough, isn't it?
It's amazing that most of the Scottish, while some are talking about Independence, are subjugated enough that they just sit there with poppies instead, if wearing that is all that it symbolizes.
It's a non-debate. FIFA is right.
It's their tournament like it or not. Their rules. Not so daft rules on what teams can put on a shirt either. Surprising really that they allow the 4 parts of the UK to have separate teams in the WC at all, and that this game is played in the tournament.The point of the post was EXACTLY what many posters on here appear to be for - the right to remember in a way we see fit. Who are FIFA to tell us what to do? It is not a matter of how we remember it is a matter of FIFA telling us we can't.
Personally Id rather we withdrew from FIFA and made a stand against them.
I'm not "far more intelligent" but.......wars start when politics/politicians go wrong. Maybe wearing poppies offends the Germans/Austrians or the Italians or the Japanese? Who knows.I am struggling with this, could someone far more intelligent than I please explain how honouring war dead is a political of religious statement?
That is an excellent point, and one I'm not sure I have an answer for, and I believe they should be kept separate. Which then begs the question what is the FA's agenda on this?I'm not "far more intelligent" but.......wars start when politics/politicians go wrong. Maybe wearing poppies offends the Germans/Austrians or the Italians or the Japanese? Who knows.
One question I would ask is, how come there is such a huge clamour now for football clubs and associations to wear poppies on their shirts? 20 years ago, the subject of poppies and football was barely mentioned. Rememberance Sunday was totally separate to football. FIFA will probably ask the question, will the same happen next year and the year after? If the answer is yes, maybe setting up a rival to FIFA should happen? As Corker says, Fifexit. Maybe it's not such a crazy idea.
Yes I am in Madrid now. Tomorrow is the Ireland V NZ match at 6.30 pm local time followed by Madrid derby, Atletico V Real at 20.45 local. I expect to fall out of the James Joyce pub at whatever hour of the night.That is an excellent point, and one I'm not sure I have an answer for, and I believe they should be kept separate. Which then begs the question what is the FA's agenda on this?
On a completely different subject, you are off to see Ale play tomorrow, if you do get to speak to him say hello and thank you from everyone in W12.
Enjoy your weekend, I really should have another trip across to Dublin. The last visit was brilliant apart from missing my flight and crashing my car on the way home, but hey ho!Yes I am in Madrid now. Tomorrow is the Ireland V NZ match at 6.30 pm local time followed by Madrid derby, Atletico V Real at 20.45 local. I expect to fall out of the James Joyce pub at whatever hour of the night.
The Getafe match is 4pm Sunday afternoon. Got my ticket already. I am hoping to speak to Ale outside the ground if I can. Hoping to get a few photos or to make a little video. Fingers crossed. I will indeed pass on the regards of all the fans in W12 and even those in Norfolk. Enjoy the game tomorrow.
Yup.This is from the Beeb website.....
Fifa has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Football Association and the Scottish FA after "a series of incidents" at last week's World Cup qualifying game at Wembley.
Both FAs had been charged for wearing poppies in the match on Armistice Day.
Fifa rules forbid "political" statements on shirts.
The display of poppies on big screens, the minute's silence, playing the Last Post and handing poppy T-shirts to the crowd will also be assessed.
Fifa also cited "several cases of fan misconduct" and the display of flags by fans of both teams during England's 3-0 win.
England and Scotland players wore black armbands bearing a red poppy despite failing to get clearance from Fifa.
World football's governing body turned down a request by both teams to wear the traditional symbol marking Armistice Day.
Fifa said it did not ban the display of poppies and that any such claim was "a distortion of the facts".
The rules are laid out by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and any breach is dealt with by Fifa's disciplinary committee - which Fifa says is an independent body.
A points deduction is the most serious sanction available but a fine is considered to be more likely.
The British FAs would then have an opportunity to challenge that fine via Fifa's appeals process and a further chance to appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport - a course of action that would probably cost more than the fine.
It seems the arm band thing is only the tip of the iceberg, they're also looking at the display of poppies on the big screen, playing the Last Post, the minutes silence etc.....it all seems to upset them for some reason.........
TBH in a way Football has gone a bit OTT on the poppy thing, last Friday night (Armistice Day) I was watching the rugby between Sale & Bristol and there wasn't a poppy in sight on the teams shirts, was I offended? Of course not, nor was anyone else by the seem of it. Did the Rugby Union make a song and dance about it? No off course not, rightly or wrongly they obviously thought that players, club officials etc are adult enough to be able to decide for themselves how they remember those that made the ultimate sacrifice. Football does need to cop it self on at times and not treat everyone involved like a kindergarten........
Right off for some kip as there's a game tomorrow and a 3am alarm call to get to Dublin.....
UR'sssssssssss

Have a great time Fingy, Madrid is a very fine city. I got back from a week working in Lisbon a couple of hours ago. I hadn't been there for about 20 years, it's another lovely city. Shame I was working, but managed to stuff in a lot of seafood and custard tarts.Yes I am in Madrid now. Tomorrow is the Ireland V NZ match at 6.30 pm local time followed by Madrid derby, Atletico V Real at 20.45 local. I expect to fall out of the James Joyce pub at whatever hour of the night.
The Getafe match is 4pm Sunday afternoon. Got my ticket already. I am hoping to speak to Ale outside the ground if I can. Hoping to get a few photos or to make a little video. Fingers crossed. I will indeed pass on the regards of all the fans in W12 and even those in Norfolk. Enjoy the game tomorrow.