A group of football fans supporting England at the World Cup were left baffled when they were told they could not display a flag containing their team’s badge because it has a submarine on it.
The Barrow supporters included the club badge and an additional silhouette of the military vessel, which is synonymous with the Cumbrian town, on a flag of St George.
But when they sought permission to take the flag to matches, competition organiser Fifa – who have been contacted for comment – said military or weaponry images were not allowed and turned down their bid.
Fan John Little called the decision “harsh” and added: “It’s not like you can go down to the local Walmart and buy a submarine is it.”
Fans who want to display a flag in stadiums during the World Cup must submit an application and receive approval from Fifa.
When Little’s friend Lewis Watts received the response to the application, the friends’ WhatsApp Group and social media pages received stunned responses.
