Livid Legion lashes out against Fifa’s hypocritical ban on paying respects to our dead heroes
THE Royal British Legion blasted callous Fifa yesterday insisting it "permit players to honour the commitment and sacrifices of the Armed Forces".
The charity behind the poppy appeal set the body straight about the "symbol of remembrance" which "has no political, religious or commercial meaning".
Fifa has claimed the touching tribute is a political statement, barring players from wearing it in the England v Scotland Armistice Day clash and surrounding games.
In a blistering open letter, Legion director general Charles Byrne said: "We ask you, FIFA, in the strongest terms that you rethink your approach to remembrance and the use of the poppy and permit players to honour the commitment and sacrifices of the Armed Forces."
His withering attack in support of war heroes pointed out the global reach of the appeal - with 1.5m poppies handed out in 50 countries around the world.
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Director general Fatma Samoura said the body could not make an exception for just one country
The bold statistics make a mockery of Fifa's claim the home nations asked to be treated differently.
Director general Fatma Samoura had claimed: "The only question is why are we doing an exception for just one country and not the rest of the world." Mr Byrne pointed out that Canada, Australia and New Zealand use the poppy while France have their own version - a blue flower pinned to the lapel.
He added: "We can see no reason why this simple symbol cannot be worn by players at international football matches should they choose to.
"The red poppy is a symbol of Remembrance and hope for a peaceful future.
"It has no political, religious or commercial meaning.
"This small red flower that grew on the devastated battlefields of the First World War is a solemn reminder of the cost of war and the price of peace.
"The red poppy is worn so that we never forget the commitment and sacrifices of the Serving, never forget those who need help to live on through the consequences of war, and always remember our troubled world needs reconciliation and peace.
"Since 1921 the Legion has protected the red poppy from political or partisan misuse and ensured it remains a symbol that can be worn with pride by those of all ages, backgrounds, and political and religious beliefs."
Wales were under pressure to defy the poppy ban like England and Scotland yesterday.
After Northern Ireland committed to flouting Fifa's shameless doctrine, the Welsh are the only British side yet to stick two fingers up at football's world governing body.
Manager Chris Coleman is expected to consult players - including ace Gareth Bale - on whether to risk a points deduction next week.
And the pressure came as England's cricket team vowed to wear poppy emblems against India on Armistice Day - as long as the iron on badges arrive in time.
The move heaped further shame on football - as now rugby union, rugby league and cricket have all seen sense while Fifa maintains its heartless ban.
Alistair Cooke's side will wear traditional paper poppies on their polo shirts while they head to the ground in Rajkot on the Wednesday and Thursday.
Then on day three, they intend to have the poppy ironed on to their shirt collars as they take the field.
England's cricketers are free under International Cricket Council rules to endorse up to three charitable causes a year, a category which encompasses wearing the Royal British Legion's poppy symbol.