Argentina players celebrated their World Cup semi-final victory over England in Atlanta by displaying a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” according to reports. The banner refers to the 1982 conflict over the territory known as the Falkland Islands in Britain and Islas Malvinas in Argentina. Argentina scored twice in the final five minutes to overturn a 1-0 deficit and secure a place in the final against Spain this Sunday in New Jersey.
Players Use Political Banners Following England Win
Lisandro Martínez and Giovani Lo Celso held the banner and waved to fans after the match. It remains unclear where the banner originated. This follows earlier chants from Argentina players after their quarter-final win over Switzerland, where some were heard saying, “For the Malvinas, for Diego [Maradona] and for Leo [Messi]’s last one.”
Did You Know? The 1982 conflict over the islands lasted 74 days and resulted in more than 900 deaths, including 649 Argentinians and 255 Britons.
Midfielder Rodrigo De Paul stated that the team sings songs about “Malvinas heroes” to remember them. De Paul described the historical events as an “atrocity,” though he noted that the Malvinas should be discussed outside of a football match.
Fifa Regulations and Security Measures
Fifa’s stadium code of conduct prohibits “banners, flags, flyers, apparel and other paraphernalia that are of a political, offensive, and/or discriminatory nature.” Fifa did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the incident. This is not the first political display of the tournament; last month in Los Angeles, Iranian Americans waved pre-revolutionary flags during Iran’s matches, which proceeded without incident.
Argentina’s security minister, Alejandra Monteoliva, told local radio on Tuesday that 1,600 officers will be deployed to ensure celebrations remain peaceful. Monteoliva confirmed that a meeting in the U.S. on Monday focused on enhanced security, noting that provocative messages of a political or racial nature are prohibited.
Potential Implications for the Final
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the banner say and what does it refer to?
The banner said “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” referring to the dispute over the territory called the Falkland Islands in Britain and Islas Malvinas in Argentina.
Who displayed the banner on the pitch?
Players Lisandro Martínez and Giovani Lo Celso held up the banner while waving to fans.
What is Fifa’s official stance on such banners?
Fifa’s stadium code of conduct bans any banners, flags, or apparel that are political, offensive, or discriminatory in nature.
Do you believe sporting events should remain entirely separate from political statements?
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