Lorraine Kelly has condemned Argentina's football team for displaying a banner referring to the Falkland Islands after their World Cup victory over England, branding it 'shameful' and an insult to British armed forces.
Argentina's controversial celebration
Following their 2-1 win against England in Atlanta on Wednesday night, Argentina players unveiled a hand-painted banner reading 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas' – 'The Falklands are Argentine'. The act drew immediate backlash from Kelly, who wrote on Instagram: 'SHAMEFUL!! FIFA should throw the book at them. What an insult to the Falkland Islanders and to all our brave British armed forces who fought in the Falklands War. I hope Spain gives them a right humping in the final.'
Political tensions reignited
The banner relates to the long-standing dispute between Argentina and the United Kingdom over the Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory located about 8,000 miles from Britain and 300 miles from mainland Argentina. The conflict escalated into a war in 1982 that lasted 74 days, resulting in the deaths of 255 British and 649 Argentine soldiers. Argentina has repeatedly claimed sovereignty over the islands, which it calls Las Malvinas.
Argentina's vice-president, Victoria Villarruel, added fuel to the fire by tweeting after the match that 'it wasn't just another match', alongside a video appearing to show Argentinian soldiers. In the build-up to the fixture, she had described England as 'invaders' and 'usurping pirates'.
FIFA disciplinary action possible
The players could face sanctions from FIFA, which prohibits political messaging on the pitch under its regulations. Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni had previously stated before the game that he did not want the fixture to become about the territorial conflict. However, the banner's display has sparked calls for action.
Clashes outside stadium
Fights broke out outside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium after the match, with police seen taking at least three people away. The Atlanta Police Department deployed extra resources around the city, lining streets outside bars near the stadium following the tense encounter. England fans were left devastated as their team's hopes of ending a 60-year World Cup drought were dashed by the defending champions.
