Security measures will be heightened for the major World Cup semifinal between Argentina and England, with authorities introducing special measures aimed at preventing tensions among fans in the stands.
Specifically, entry into the stadium will be prohibited for flags, banners or any other material containing references to the Falkland Islands (known as the Malvinas in Argentina), an issue that remains particularly sensitive for both countries.
The move is directly linked to the historic rivalry between the two nations, which extends far beyond soccer and is rooted in deep political and historical tensions, including the 1982 Falklands War.
A man carries Argentina’s national flag in front of the wall with names of those who died in the 1982 war between Britain and Argentina in the Falkland Islands, known to Argentines as ‘Malvinas’, at the memorial dedicated to them as today marks the 35th anniversary of the war, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, April 2, 2017. REUTERS/Martin Acosta
Argentina’s Security Minister, Alejandra Monteoliva, made clear that items referring to the dispute or containing provocative messages targeting the opposing side would not be allowed inside the stadium.
Authorities are taking these measures in an effort to maintain order during one of the tournament’s most emotionally charged matches, as the Argentina-England encounter carries decades of history and intense feelings on both sides.
