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Royal British Legion slams Fifa investigation into Wales fans wearing poppies during World Cup Qualifying clash against Serbia

THE Royal British Legion have blasted Fifa after the football organisation launched an investigation into FANS wearing poppies to pay their respects to fallen soldiers.

The Dragons decided to back down on their intentions to see their players wear the symbols in the clash with Serbia.

Fifa are investigating Wales fans wearing poppies - to the anger of the Royal British Legion
Fifa are investigating Wales fans wearing poppies – to the anger of the Royal British Legion
PA:Press Association

But incredibly they still face a rap with the choice of supporters to mark Armistice Day among the shock charges.

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The news has provoked a fierce reaction around the British Isles, and the Royal British Legion has urged Fifa to reconsider the ‘concerning’ investigation.

Another of the incidents Fifa are said to be looking into is the fans holding a "mosaic of poppies"
Another of the incidents Fifa are said to be looking into is the fans holding a “mosaic of poppies”
PA:Press Association
Soldiers held up wreaths while a poppy was displayed on the big screen
Soldiers held up wreaths while a poppy was displayed on the big screen
Getty Images
Wales manager Chris Coleman ensured his poppy was very much visible during the football game
Wales manager Chris Coleman ensured his poppy was very much visible during the football game
Getty Images

Charles Byrne, director general, The Royal British Legion, told SunSport: “We are surprised that Fifa is taking disciplinary proceedings against the Football Association of Wales and the Irish Football Association.

“We are particularly concerned about the charge relating to supporters in the stands wearing poppies.

“It is a personal choice for players and fans to honour the commitment and sacrifices of the Armed Forces by wearing or displaying poppies. It is this freedom of choice – whether people choose to wear a poppy or not – which must be protected.

“We urge Fifa in the strongest terms to reconsider the disciplinary action being taken against the Associations.”

Fifa revealed the scope of the investigation to the FAW, which includes:

  • Some supporters in the stands wearing the poppy
  • A member of the armed forces holding a bunch of poppies at the entrance to the tunnel
  • A fans’ mosaic depicting the poppy during the Welsh national anthem
  • A poppy banner displayed by Wales supporters before the match started

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Wales fans also hoisted a flag showing the poppy during the game - this is also being investigated
Wales fans also hoisted a flag showing the poppy during the game – this is also being investigated
Pacemaker Press
Fifa do not seem happy that a member of the armed forces was holding a wreath of poppies before the Wales vs Serbia game
Fifa do not seem happy that a member of the armed forces was holding a wreath of poppies before the Wales vs Serbia game
Getty Images

The Welsh players abided by Fifa's rules on not wearing a poppy on their shirts, but chose to honour those killed in war with a black armband
Getty Images
The Welsh players abided by Fifa’s rules on not wearing a poppy on their shirts, but chose to honour those killed in war with a black armband[/caption]

The FAW have vowed to fight the charges which arose from the 1-1 draw with Serbia, which came 24 hours after Remembrance Day.

Chief executive Jonathan Ford said: “Naturally as an association we are disappointed and surprised at the news.

“Our intention was to show respect on Armistice weekend which we feel we did in the right and proper way.

“We also adhered to the rules and regulations of the competition and the communication from FIFA prohibiting the FAW request for the players to wear the poppy symbol on the armbands or the field of play.

Members of the armed forces were in attendance to remember those fallen in war, just as the fans did
Members of the armed forces were in attendance to remember those fallen in war, just as the fans did
Getty Images
Fans were not going to be stopped from showing their own special remembrance
Fans were not going to be stopped from showing their own special remembrance
Reuters

“We are particularly disappointed that one of the charges concerns supporters in the stands wearing poppies. Naturally as an association we will strongly contest the charges.”

Norwegian delegate Espen Erikson was Fifa’s commissioner at the match and compiled the official report.

Fifa regulations state political and commercial messages must not be worn on kit, with both sets of players wearing black armbands instead.

England, Scotland and Northern Ireland are also under investigation in a hugely unpopular move from football’s governing body.

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