ENGLAND fans face being booted out of World Cup games if supporters continue to mock Sir Keir Starmer or display unsanctioned tributes to the war dead.
FIFA’s strict prohibition on political messaging has put the English game on a collision course with global football‘s governing body ahead of Wednesday night’s opening clash against Croatia.
Authorities have warned that any repeat of the politically charged behaviour seen during recent warm-up matches will result in immediate ejections from tournament grounds and formal disciplinary action against the national side.
During the friendly against Costa Rica in Orlando last week, a vocal section of the England support was heard chanting that the Prime Minister is a “w****r”.
Meanwhile, at least one flag carrying the same offensive anti-Starmer slogan has already been spotted by officials in Dallas.
The FA remains at risk of a major international penalty if the chanting is repeated at any point during the tournament, it is understood.
The FA said it is aware of the targeting of Starmer.
In the US the use of offensive language could also lead to fans running into difficulty with local officials.
Stadiums fall under FIFA jurisdiction during a tournament, but in America a strict code of conduct applies to behaviour inside sports stadiums, with fans ejected if they are deemed to have crossed a line.
Fifa has its own stadium code of conduct that states fans must “not use offensive language or gestures”.
Fans wanting to bring flags larger than 2m x 1.5m in need to gain written permission ahead of arriving at the stadium.
They are asked to send pictures as part of their application.
Travelling supporters also risk getting in trouble if they display flags with weapons.
It is understood certain flags, such as those that honour the fallen in the world wars, could also create an issue.
One England supporter told The Times: “It’s madness.
“I’d imagine if I wanted to go over the road to a Walmart and buy an actual gun, there wouldn’t be an issue.
“But I can’t go into the stadium with a flag honouring those who gave their lives for our country because of an image of a soldier holding a rifle.”
Many have paid hundreds of pounds for the specially-commissioned flags and would need to find somewhere safe to store them at short notice, or face missing the game entirely.
However, images of poppies on flags are permitted, it is understood.
A spokeswoman from the FA said: “We have advised our fans that Fifa can prevent flags with sensitive or political content entering the stadiums.
“Our team are on hand at the ground to help review flags if needed to avoid any problems occurring.”