Nigel Farage erupts at Argentinian players over Falklands banner – ‘disgusted!’.VA
Argentinian players have sparked outrage for waving a Falkland Islands banner after a World Cup match against England
Nigel Farage said he was ‘disgusted’ (Image: Getty)
Nigel Farage said he was “disgusted” after Argentinian players waved a Falkland Islands banner after last night’s World Cup match against England. Some players held a banner which read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas”, which translates to “The Falkland Islands are Argentinian”, as they revelled in their 2-1 win over the Three Lions in the semi-final.
In a post on X, the Reform leader said: “Whilst I am disgusted at the behaviour of some Argentinian players last night, the most important thing to do is build up the Royal Navy quickly.”
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Argentinian players waved the banner after the game (Image: Getty)
The banner, referring to the dispute over the British overseas territory, was initially brandished by jubilant Argentinian fans before it made its way onto the pitch.
But players could face the prospect of disciplinary action from governing body Fifa for violating rules banning political messaging on the pitch.
The Tories hit out at the “pathetic stunt”, with Shadow Sports Minister Louie French saying: “The Falklands are British. That is not up for discussion.
“Last night’s pathetic stunt by the Argentinian team was shameful and FIFA must the throw the book at them.
“The Conservatives will always stand up for the people of the Falkland Islands and defend their right for self determination.”
Cabinet minister Peter Kyle also branded the move as “entirely inappropriate”.
The Business Secretary told BBC Breakfast: “My reaction is that it was entirely inappropriate. Politics needs to be separate from football.
“In fact, the World Cup has one of its central tenets that politics is separate from football.
“That is now a matter for Fifa. I expect Fifa to do its investigation thoroughly.”
He continued: “We expect Fifa to undertake an investigation into this.
“I think it was certain to happen because it was such an egregious violation of the rules of not having political activity as part of the football.”
Louie French, Conservative Shadow Sports Minister, said: “The Falklands are British. That is not up for discussion.
“Last night’s pathetic stunt by the Argentinian team was shameful and FIFA must the throw the book at them.
“The Conservatives will always stand up for the people of the Falkland Islands and defend their right for self determination.”
