Army of veterans receive free tickets to the England v Scotland match as teams ignore FIFA poppy ban on Armistice Day
AN army of 500 veterans will watch England and Scotland flout the Fifa poppy ban on Armistice Day.
FA chiefs have handed the free tickets to the heroes and their families through military charity Tickets for Troops.
The tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the forces comes after Fifa insisted the poppy was “political” and therefore banned.
The FAs of both England and Scotland have vowed to defy the ban by wearing poppies on black armbands.
Interim England Manager Gareth Southgate said: “It is important that we continue to recognise the role the Armed Forces play in protecting our freedom.
“While at this time of year we stop to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, it’s equally as important to acknowledge those who currently serve our country.
“If The FA’s partnership with Tickets for Troops is a small way of rewarding our brave servicemen and women then that is only a good thing.”
The Sun insisted poppies on black armbands are not enough and called for poppies to take pride of place on the players’ shirts.
Our petition - at - yesterday hit 316,000 signatures as the showdown with Fifa loomed.
We took veterans to Zurich to hand in the show of strength to execs at world football’s governing body as anger mounted over the shameful ban.
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The great and the good of British society - from PM Theresa May to Bond actor Roger Moore - backed our campaign for a dignified tribute on our footy ace’s shirts.
Director of Operations at Tickets For Troops, Veronica Bamford said: “We are delighted that The Football Association continue to recognise the brave men and women who serve our country by inviting them to Wembley where they can enjoy their well-deserved time off with their families and friends and watch England play.”