England fans breach FIFA rules with chant during Croatia match

Several England supporters risked punishment after breaking FIFA rules during the Three Lions’ 4-2 win over Croatia.

Thomas Tuchel’s side began their Group L campaign in style with a convincing victory over 2018 finalists Croatia.

Captain Harry Kane opened the scoring from the penalty spot at the second attempt on 12 minutes, having seen his first effort saved by Dominik Livaković.

However, the goalkeeper was adjudged to have come off his goal line before the kick was taken, allowing Kane a second chance. The England striker made no mistake, smashing home from the spot.

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Martin Baturina levelled on 36 minutes before Kane nodded home Declan Rice’s corner six minutes later. Petar Musa then equalised to make it 2-2 in first-half stoppage time.

It did not take long for Tuchel’s side to restore their lead, with Jude Bellingham making it 3-2 on 47 minutes. Substitute Marcus Rashford then finished the job, scoring England’s fourth with five minutes remaining.

England fans break FIFA rule

Despite the positive performance, a section of England supporters overshadowed the match by breaking a strict FIFA rule inside Dallas Stadium.

Around 15,000 Three Lions supporters made the trip to Dallas, with a small minority singing an anti-Keir Starmer chant during the match against Croatia.

Chants of “Keir Starmer is a w*****” could be heard from some sections of the stadium, with the action breaching FIFA rules on political messaging.

Under FIFA’s stadium code of conduct, fans are prohibited from displaying banners, flags, flyers, apparel and other paraphernalia of a “political, offensive and/or discriminatory nature”.

Spectators are also banned from using abusive language or chanting in “a political, offensive and/or discriminatory manner”.

There are also strict rules regarding the size of flags, with fans advised to submit pictures as part of their applications before being granted permission if a flag is larger than 2m x 1.5m before entering the stadium.

It has also been reported that flags commemorating the war dead could cause issues at stadiums, although poppies are reportedly permitted on flags.

Punishments can include being removed from the stadium.

An FA spokesperson told The Sun: “We have advised our fans that FIFA can prevent flags with sensitive or political content from entering the stadiums.

“Our team are on hand at the ground to help review flags if needed to avoid any problems occurring.”

The Three Lions return to action against Ghana on June 23 before rounding off their group-stage campaign against Panama on June 27.

What do FIFA rules say?

Official FIFA policy prohibits “any materials, including but not limited to banners, flags, fliers, apparel and other paraphernalia, that are of a political, offensive and/or discriminatory nature, containing wording, symbols or any other attributes aimed at discrimination of any kind against a country, private person or group on account of race, skin colour, ethnicity, national or social origin, gender identity and expression, disability, language, religion, political opinion or any other opinion, birth, wealth or any other status, sexual orientation or on any other grounds".