A Chelsea fan has been pictured holding up a Falkland Islands flag as Argentine Enzo Fernandez came onto the pitch on Saturday.
The midfielder, who received a mixed reception of boos and cheers, was part of Argentina’s World Cup campaign, which had several notable references to the Falklands.
Most notably, after beating England in the World Cup semi-finals, the Argentina players held up a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” which translates to “The Falklands are Argentine.”
FIFA confirmed it has opened disciplinary proceedings against the World Cup runners-up for breaches of team misconduct, security and protocol failures, inappropriate messages displayed, and the use of discriminatory chants and gestures.
FIFA’s ruling bans any political messaging at the World Cup.
A total of 649 Argentines died trying to take over the British territory – scars which have not healed in the political and sporting arenas ever since.
In 2013, the Falklands held a referendum in which 99.8 per cent of voters opted to remain British.
Fernandez defended Argentina’s tactics at the World Cup, saying the squad represented the nation “in the best possible way”.
A Chelsea fan held up a Falklands flag as Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez came on
After losing the final to Spain 1-0, in which the midfielder was sent off, he wrote on social media: “As time goes by, you realise there is something much bigger than just a result.
“For years, this group has represented the team in the best possible way.
“It teaches that competing isn’t just about winning; it’s about giving your all for the jersey and never giving up.
“It has been a privilege to be part of a group that always stepped up, competed at the highest level, and defended these colours with pride, humility, and commitment.”