ENGLAND and Scotland’s footballers should be able to “wear their poppies with pride” in defiance of Fifa chiefs who heartlessly banned them.
That is the view of the Sports Minister Tracey Crouch, who has given her backing to players wearing the highly symbolic flower on their shirts during the Armistice Day game between the two nations.
She said: “Footballers representing Home Nations should, if they choose, be able to wear their poppies with pride to pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of servicemen and women killed in conflict and to help support the armed forces community.
“To have our players compete with poppies on their shirts would be particularly poignant as we continue to commemorate the centenary of the First World War.”
It comes after fury erupted last night when The Sun revealed the scandal-hit ruling body decided the symbol is a political statement and can’t be used for the crucial World Cup qualifier next week.
The match takes place at Wembley on Armistice Day — November 11 — just two days before Remembrance Sunday.
FA chiefs were slammed after failing to stand up to Fifa, but The Sun, backed by veterans and the Royal British Legion, is calling on the bureaucrats to acknowledge the poppy as a sign of pride in the sacrifice of servicemen and women for more than a century and allow it on shirts.
Lib Dem leader Tim Farron blasted the decision to ban the flower on Twitter.
He posted: “What on earth has it got to do with Fifa if countries want to wear poppies on shirts?
“Common sense must prevail- let the teams choose.”
Former British Army officer and Tory MP Tom Tugendhat said: “The poppy has become a universal symbol of the tragedy of war and Remembrance Day is one of our few truly national moments.
“It would be a shame if the footballing world – who gave so much in the pals battalions of the First World War – felt they were not able to recognise the sacrifices of so many.”
Labour MP Ian Murray has submitted an Early Day Motion to Parliament calling for the players to be allowed to wear the poppy.
He said: “Fifa must allow the national teams of both England and Scotland to commemorate those that gave the ultimate sacrifice by wearing the poppy in the World Cup qualifying match on Armistice day.
He continued: “For football fans in the stadium and watching on TV, there is no better way to remember those who gave their lives than during a high-profile World Cup qualifying match, where supporters will no doubt be the relatives of those who were killed or injured serving their country.”
England legend Stuart Pearce – who won 78 caps for his country and played in three major tournaments – has also backed our campaign.
Pearce told Sun Online: “I think it would be wonderful mark of respect if we can remember those who fought and died in the war.
“FIFA should back away from this one…common sense should prevail.”
Psycho, 54, who became one of England’s most celebrated players, joined fans around in the country condemning Fifa’s heartless football poppy ban.
Pearce was also backed by fellow Three lions legend Peter Shilton who told Sun Online: “I certainly think it’s what we would called a very special event. I would back any wearing of the poppy.
“We need to remember those who died and there is no better way than to wear a poppy.
“We need to remember those who died and there is no better way than to wear a poppy.
“I thinks it’s a national thing not just for England, it’s for the whole of Britain. A lot of people across Britain lost loved ones in wars. The poppy is a mark of respect and a national event.
“I was proud to be part of the the Sports Remembers the Somme where the sports people during the war where athletes volunteered to enlist.”
The Sun, backed by veterans and the Royal British legion, launched a petition to let England and Scotland footballers wear their poppies with pride.
Signing the petition Dee Saunders wrote: “Absolutely disgusting that these bureaucrats dictate what and how we remember our brave. Wear the poppies with pride boys.”
Gordon Rowe added: “The poppy is a symbol of hope among chaos and destruction. I urge every fan attending to make a statement by taking a giant poppy which should be printed in the Sun on matchday.”
And Amber Green added her support, writing: “Every service man and woman deserve recognition for the sacrifice they and their families have made.”
THE SUN SAYS: Wearing a poppy is not a political statement — it’s a poignant way for all of us to remember Britain’s war dead.
The last England international which fell close to Remembrance Sunday saw players only allowed to wear the red flower on a black armband on her sleeve.
And that was only a compromise after Fifa attempted a total ban on wearing the poppy.
If they or Scotland choose to flout the ban for this game they could face a hefty fine and other sanctions, as the qualifier falls under the world governing body’s jurisdiction.
But Falklands veteran Simon Weston told the FA to take any potential hit rather than sacrifice the commemoration of British troops for a second time.
He said: “The FAs of both Scotland and England should stand up and be counted.
“Both those countries took part in both World Wars and should take the lead. They should pay any fine Fifa has to give them.
"This is not a political gesture."
He added: “Who are Fifa? A bunch of people who make a hell of a lot of money and turn round and treat people like cattle. How dare they?”
An FA spokesman said: “We are working closely with the Royal British Legion again this year to honour and remember the sacrifices made by those serving in the Armed Forces.”
A Fifa spokesman confirmed the organisation was “in contact with the FA over the issue”.
Meanwhile all Premier League clubs will sport poppies on their shirts — as Ross Barkley did when scoring for Everton last Sunday.
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