Fifa has barred a group of Barrow fans from flying their flag at the World Cup – because of a picture of a submarine.
The Barrow AFC supporters wanted to display their club’s version of the St George’s flag, but were rebuffed due a ban on “imagery of weapons or military”.
Anyone wanting to bring a flag larger than two by 1.5 metres needs written permission before arriving at the stadium.
They are also asked to submit pictures of their flag as part of their application.
One, John Little, had intended to bring the flag to England’s second group stage fixture against Ghana on Tuesday.
But he and his fellow bluebirds fans were stunned when their submission was turned down due to the silhouette of the sub on their design.
Mr Little learned of the rejection from Lewis Watts, who had submitted the application, which quickly sparked outrage in their supporters’ WhatsApp group.
Speaking to the BBC, Mr Little said: “I couldn’t believe it really. It’s a little bit harsh that they’ve done it for something like that.
PICTURED: England fans in the stands in Dallas. John Little had intended to bring the flag to England’s group stage fixture against Ghana
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“I could understand guns and knives and what have you, but not a submarine.
“People are just saying how ridiculous it is that they’re not allowing the flag.
“It’s not like you can go down to the local Walmart and buy a submarine, is it?”
The supporter described Fifa’s ruling as “harsh” given the nature of the imagery in question.
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The submarine features on Barrow’s official badge as a tribute to the port town’s shipbuilding history
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The submarine features on Barrow’s official badge as a tribute to the port town’s history of building and launching Royal Navy vessels.
Barrow’s shipyards are now tasked with building the first generation of Aukus subs for the Navy.
In its response to Mr Watts, Fifa said: “The application was rejected because the item includes imagery of weapons or military (submarine).
“These are not permitted under Fifa policy. We would be happy to approve, if you were willing and able to submit again with the imagery covered up.”
Barrow AFC shared a ‘new temporary club badge’ for the World Cup after the ban
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Mr Little confirmed he would follow this guidance ahead of England’s second group match in Boston.
Barrow AFC’s official social media account responded with a jab, posting an edited version of the club crest with the submarine blurred out.
The National League club wrote: “In order to make sure our supporter John Little can represent the Bluebirds over in Boston properly, we’d like to unveil our new *temporary club badge for the duration of the World Cup…
“Fifa – let us know if the Arrow has to go too,” it prodded.
