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One member of the EDL on the FIFA building earlier today. Twitter
Remembrance row

English Defence League in FIFA HQ rooftop protest

Football’s governing body are targeted after decision to deny English football chiefs’ request to wear commemorative flower on Saturday against Spain.

FOOTBALL’S WORLD GOVERNING body were this afternoon targeted by protesters angry at the decision to stop England’s footballers wearing poppies on their shirts.

Two members of the English Defence League are currently on the roof of FIFA HQ in Zurich.

They displayed a banner depicting two poppies which read: “English defence League. How dare FIFA disrespect our war dead and wounded. Support out troops.”

England host Spain in a friendly in Wembley on Saturday evening and had intended to wear special jerseys embroidered with poppies to mark Remembrance Weekend.

But those plans had to be scrapped yesterday after Zurich officials ruled that the emblem was a political symbol and is therefore banned under the game’s rules.

This morning, British prime minuster David Cameron weighed into the furore, labeling the decision by FIFA ‘absurd’.

More to follow

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