Fifa Bans Poppies During Match ‘Because They Are Political Statements’

[naomi24]

http://metro.co.uk/2016/11/01/fifa-bans-poppies-during-match-because-they-are-political-statements-6226627/

I don't regard poppies as a political statement. Do you?

[naomi24]

angie, The Royal British Legion isn't a commercial organisation - it's a charity. I'd really like to know their reasoning on this.

[New Judge]

“…last year James McClean of WBA refused on the grounds they represented military oppression of the citizens of Derry as evidenced by Bloody Sunday.”

I wondered what you were talking about, mush. Then I realised he meant Londonderry!

The poppy is not a religious, political or commercial symbol. But you would not expect a corrupt organisation like FIFA to know that (and nor should anybody care what they think). I’m sure if suitable funds were made available (i.e. if the appropriate palm was sufficiently greased), one of FIFA’s “Top Officials” could ensure the decision was favourably reviewed. If not the two teams could always stick two fingers up to the so-called governing body and do as they please.

[Arksided]

Scotland will be wearing their away kit (Pink) because the white sleeves of their Dark Blue one clashes with with England home kit. You gotta Love FIFA:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3891174/Scotland-wear-fluorescent-pink-change-kit-crucial-World-Cup-qualifier-England-Wembley.html

[Prudie]

No to me the wearing of a poppy signifies one thing only and that is remembrance of the fallen however it's been discussed on here many times over the years, white poppies, the footballer mentioned above etc etc. From that I've gathered that even some ABers consider poppy wearing as glorifying war and promoting British aggression.

[Berniecuddles2]

coming from the most corrupt lot of *** going ...bloody disgrace!

[trt]

If they do, we should boycott the match, at the ground and on TV!

[hereIam]

Ridiculous, how come every year now we have someone (Fifa this year) moaning about poppies ?? I'll still wear mine with pride.

[RandyMarsh]

I don't see the problem, the players can wear an armband and still respect the fallen.

[ChillDoubt]

Kowtowing to a bunch of beareaucratic bell ends and no marks again.
That such a corrupt and unworthy group is in charge of footballing is no real surprise.
There are far bigger problems in football that need addressing but they're more concerned with dishnouring the dead from world conflicts.

Way to go!

[jourdain2]

I do not regard poppies as political, religious or commercial. I wear a poppy out of respect and to contribute to help support survivors in need. I shall be decorating a board in church with poppies this Sunday and our little singing group is practising 'I vow to thee, my country' (it's surprisingly difficult). FIFA are money-oriented numbskulls i.m.o..

[granny grump]

Type Your Answer Here...What would happen if everyone on the pitch including referee & linesmen just turned up wearing them - What would FIFA do - abandon the game?

[KARL]

Would people be wringing their hands if a women's team insisted on, and were told not to, wear a veil out of respect for their cultural habits. Worldwide, relatively few know what the poppy totem is meant to signify and similarly not a lot of people sympathise with the wearing of a veil. Both are practices designed for the "home market" and they otherwise leave people cold (to say the least).

Quite a few Muslim women feel obliged to wear a veil because it is the done thing, many of those brought up in the right circumstances feel they should wear a representation of a flower. Not wearing it does not imply indifference to death through military action, wearing it does not certify proper appreciation of every aspect of it.

FIFA's objection very possibly is to the interweaving of a national de rigueur ritual with an international competition. Saying this ritual is more worthy than others is of course of no interest beyond the group who support it.

[andypipwilly]

Over 5 million people myself included visited The Blood Swept Lands and Seas poppy installation at The Tower of London in four months to show their respect to the 888,246 troops who gave their lives fighting in WW1 from the whole of the Commonwealth
The day I attended the whole area was packed but with the total respect that silence brought.

FIFA are more concerned about windbags, says it all about how football has gone for me.

[Lunol]

I always wonder at how many celebrities and sports people who wear poppies actually do because they want to or do because they know if they're caught on camera or film without one that questions maybe raised?

[vulcan42]

Murdo, you may associate the Haig Fund with Earl Haig if you wish, but it was started by Countess Haig, his wife.

[jno]

yes, TV announcers get abuse for not wearing them, Lunol.

http://www.itv.com/news/2013-11-12/itv-news-presenter-defends-decision-to-not-wear-a-poppy-on-air/

Which is why I don't - out of respect for those exercising their freedom of choice.

[Dee-M-See]

No doubt they would be allowed to wear Burkas!!

[Old_Geezer]

I don't regard them as a political statement. I think that justification very weak. But I also don't see why there is a compulsion to fix them to sports gear. Storm in a teacup.