3 LIONS POPPIES LUNACY

Fifa berates playing of the Last Post as it widens its poppy probe into English and Scottish FAs

Investigation escalates tensions after both teams were charged for wearing Remembrance armbands during match last week

Patrick Gysin

Published: 0:59, 19 Nov 2016

FIFA has widened its poppy probe into the English and Scottish FAs to include the playing of the Last Post.

They were charged after both sets of players wore the tribute on black armbands in last week’s Armistice Day World Cup qualifier.

FIFA have launched an investigation into the minute's silence for Armistice Day — FIFA have launched an investigation into the minute's silence for Armistice DayCredit: EPA

It comes after both teams were charged for wearing poppies on black armbands — It comes after both teams were charged for wearing poppies on black armbandsCredit: PA:Press Association

But football’s governing body is now investigating a string of other remembrance “offences”, including the bugle call.

It will also probe poppies being displayed on Wembley’s screens, the minute’s silence and the handing-out of T-shirts bearing the floral tribute.

Booing by fans during the national anthems and items thrown on to the pitch during England’s 3-0 win will also be looked at.

The Sun's front page as the story broke

The FA has said it will appeal any penalty FIFA imposes — The FA has said it will appeal any penalty FIFA imposesCredit: Getty Images

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FIFA are investigating a number of memorial gestures set up by the England team — FIFA are investigating a number of memorial gestures set up by the England teamCredit: Getty Images

Fifa said its rules on “political” statements had been breached.

Scotland and Wayne Rooney’s England now face a potential points deduction or a fine. The FA has said it will appeal any penalty.

Meanwhile, Fifa president Gianni Infantino was called a hypocrite last night after it emerged Uefa had honoured war heroes while he was its Secretary General.

A 2014 vid marked 100 years since WWI’s Christmas Day ceasefire when English and German troops played football in no man’s land.

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