The build-up to the games on the second day of this winter’s World Cup has been dominated by controversy after FIFA warned nations that they would be punished if captains wore ‘One Love’ armbands.
Just hours before England kicked off their World Cup campaign against Iran, it was revealed that the Three Lions backed down from their intention to wear the armband. England were joined by Germany and the Netherlands in refraining from wearing the armband after FIFA announced that sporting sanctions would be imposed if the last-minute ruling was defied.
England won the game convincingly, putting six past Iran but the controversy surrounding FIFA’s decision has remained a talking point.
Speaking after the game, Manchester United legend Roy Keane suggested that England should have defied FIFA and accepted whatever punishment they were handed.
"That would have been a great statement!" 🙌
Roy Keane believes the England squad should have worn the One Love armband and taken any punishment that came their way…
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“I think the players could have done it for the first game, took the punishment,” Keane told ITV. “Whatever that might be. Kane, you’re risking if he’s going to get a yellow card if that was going to be the punishment.
“But that would’ve been a great statement. Do it for the first game, if you get your yellow card, what a message that would have been from Kane or Bale.
“Take your medicine and then, the next game you move on. You don’t wear it because obviously, you don’t want to get suspended. But I think it was a big mistake. Both players, particularly we’re talking about Wales and England here, should’ve stuck to their guns and done it.
“Whatever pressure from outside and their own associations – have the belief. If that’s what you believe, then go with it.”
