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?

[ichkeria]

No, but FIFA does, and that is what matters :-)

[Mamyalynne]

I don't think they are either.

[naomi24]

Haha! Very funny! I realise that - but I don't understand why anyone would regard poppies as a political statement.

[andy-hughes]

No.

[Cloverjo]

No, to me they're just a symbol that you have given to a particular charity. Never thought of them as being political.

[dannyk13]

Definitely not political

[bhg481]

Well the queen is non-political and she supports it.

[Arksided]

No. It's absolutely ridiculous, in FIFA we trust.

[Lie-in King]

No.

FIFA frequently demonstrate idiocy IMO, so this is unsurprising to me.

[RandyMarsh]

I thought the ban was only in relation to poppies appearing on the actual players shirts?

[mushroom25]

not just FIFA though - there have been instances of players refusing to wear them. last year James McClean of WBA refused on the grounds they represented military oppression of the citizens of Derry as evidenced by Bloody Sunday.

[angie55]

I think the actual wording from FIFA is that they ban political, religious or commercial messages on shirts, hence why last time England wore black armbands with the poppy on the armband when they played Spain.

[naomi24]

angie, but the poppy is neither political, religious, nor commercial, is it?

[youngmafbog]

Well that's FIFA for you.

Stick two fingers up to whole corrupt load of them, wear the poppies and pay the fine.

[RandyMarsh]

They can deduct points as well as or instead of a fine.

[youngmafbog]

No it is none of those Naomi.

For me it is a symbol of my thanks for the lives given for me to live in a democratic country.

[youngmafbog]

The way we play - big deal. We're going nowhere anyway.

[naomi24]

youngmafbog, me too. An expression of thanks and the greatest respect.

[angie55]

Naomi - I agree it's an expression of thanks and respect, but I suppose someone could argue that it's commercial even though donations are 'voluntary'.

[youngmafbog]

Commercial? By what perverse logic does that come about?