A group of football fans supporting England at the World Cup have been left disappointed after Fifa rejected a flag featuring the Barrow football club's badge and a submarine. The decision has sparked debate among fans, with some calling it 'harsh'.
The flag, which includes a silhouette of a submarine, was deemed to be in breach of Fifa's rules, which prohibit military or weaponry images. Fans had submitted the application to display the flag in stadiums during the World Cup, but were told that they could resubmit it with the submarine covered up.
Barrow is renowned for its submarine and shipbuilding history, an industry that still employs thousands of people in the town. The decision has sparked a lively debate among fans, with some questioning the logic behind Fifa's rules.
Fan John Little, who is heading to Boston for England's match against Ghana on Tuesday, described the decision as 'a bit harsh'. 'It's not like you can go down to the local shop and buy a submarine,' he said.
Fifa told the group that they can resubmit the application with the submarine covered up, but it remains to be seen whether the flag will be allowed in the end.