FIFA bans Poppies on footballl shirts

[Gromit]

// Fifa have rejected a Government request that England and Wales be allowed to wear commemorative poppies in this weekend's friendlies, claiming the move would "jeopardise the neutrality of football." //

http://www.telegraph....-Government-plea.html

Not sure how this is any different than a team wearing black armbands or having a minutes silence before a match. Would it be disrespectful to England's guests to just ignore FIFA and pay any fine that might be imposed?

[naomi24]

Jake, no you didn't misread. I did say I think everyone should wear one, and I do. That said, it's my opinion, not a ruling. No one has denied you your right to choose, but if you had any sense of decency you would make that choice without ridiculing those who are currently grieving for young lives wasted and lost, or who see this time as one of sad reflection. Calling people 'poppy fascists' is insulting and it's juvenile in the extreme. Fortunately for you, many of those who made the ultimate sacrifice have given you a life free of fascism. If they hadn't, you would know what the word really means and you wouldn't be bandying it around quite so cavalierly. You're not a child, your attitude isn't clever, or impressive, so for once in your life have the balls to put your wonky politics to one side and show a little respect and understanding for others. If you can't grow up Jake, then unless you have something sensible to say on this subject, at least have the courtesy to shut up.

[Terino00]

Seems like a non-story. The poppy used to be a symbol of peace and it used to be voluntary. Now it is an excuse for every spotty youth who has never been within 100 miles of a battlefield to come over all high and mighty. (I contribute to the British Legion but I don't wear a poppy. It is a free country.)

[Old_Geezer]

FIFA are obviously over-reacting. Poppies are symbolic of those who died in war, not a political statement. They ought to be able to distinguish between the two. Not that there is a need to sew a cloth poppy on the shirt, but neither is there a need to ban it. Besides if they are allowing wreathes and minute silence then it sort of spoils their justification.

[jake-the-peg]

Are right now because I don't happen to agree with you I'm not decent.

Because I dare to voice an opinion at odds with the mass one I'm childish

I'm not stopping you from having your remembrance day

I'm not stopping anyone from wearing a poppy nor disparaging them from doing so.

But when you assume everyone should have the same opinion, should show respect to a cause that you respect...

That's fascism

[naomi24]

Jake, Selective reading eh? That figures. I'll put it in one sentence.

The term 'poppy fascist' is insulting in the extreme.

[rowanwitch]

How about bright poppy red armbands... but don't ask fifa first

[jake-the-peg]

Then stop telling people what to think and I'll stop using the term

[naomi24]

Jake, as I said, selective reading. You have a choice - but that doesn't give you the right to insult people.

[jake-the-peg]

It's an entirely appropriate term not a silly insult

compare

//World English Dictionary
...
3. prejudice in relation to the subject specified: body fascism //

It has particular resonance because rememberance day love to dig back in history to WWII against political Fascism rather than dwell on less popular wars fought more recently not to protect this country but to enforce its political will overseas

But I think we're going around in circles here so I'll leave you to it for now

[jackthehat]

At this time of year, I wonder why Jake just doesn't cut and paste all of his previous grumbles about Commemorative Poppies and the wearing of them....

We are hearing nothing new this time.

[naomi24]

Jack, yes, indeed.

[ichkeria]

This dispute doesn't reflect well on anyone.
FIFA look like petty bureaucrats and the FA, frankly, look like posturing idiots also. It might have been an idea if they'd checked a little earlier about the possibility of wearing different shirts.
I understand FIFA's position: they don't want countries adding logos to their shirts for "political" or other reasons. It might seem unreasonable to us but you have to see if from their point of view. At the end of the day they, not the FA, run the game and if they say the shirts can't be worn then they can't be worn. There is, as I understand it, nothing to stop players, officials, etc, wearing poppies etc. before and after the game, maybe even some sort of armband if they really want to.
As I said before, though, why not make a more materially significant gesture and donate a day's wages from the players, or a percentage of the proceeds from the game. I think there's a little bit of posturing here and of course we all love to hate FIFA as they didn't give us the World Cup and they're all corrupt etc etc. But they run the game and we have to abide by their rules, if a compromise can't be found.

[jomifl]

Jake.. most of those that died in the 2 'world wars' did not have any choice in the matter, partcularly the civilians who were shelled and bombed into oblivion. I don't recall that oil was an issue at the time.

[anotheoldgit]

Answerprancer

Sorry for being late on parade, but pleased to know you are missing me.

On the radio this morning I heard that FIFA has given the ref. permission to abandon the match if any England player goes on the field wearing a poppy.

I say to the England squad, wear your poppy with pride, and go 'over the top' the same as your forefathers did, because unlike a vast majority of them, you can come back and play another day.

'We shall remember them'.

[anotheoldgit]

jake-the-peg

/// My problem is with people telling me what to think and do ///

Isn't that what you yourself are most guilty of doing?

[pa___ul3]

AOG, I like the sentiment behind that but that would be unfair on the thousands of fans who've paid and travelled to watch the game.
The FA could have come out as the sensible ones in this scenario by following Ichkeria's idea of simply making a donation as a show of support.
However much I disagree with it, FIFA do have a valid reason for not allowing it. I'd be interested in why the players can't just wear an armband with a poppy on as FIFA are against amendments to the kit.
I get the impression it's more of a hullabaloo than need be.

[rowanwitch]

Paint a poppy on the centre circle

[piggynose]

question.. is the wearing of poppies to condone all wars, and the deaths of millions?

[jackthehat]

Answer - no. It's to commemorate them.

[Old_Geezer]

No, it's not condoning, it is an attempt at respect.