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Scotland and West Brom ace Darren Fletcher calls on Fifa to relax poppy ban
SCOTLAND midfielder Darren Fletcher has called on FIFA to show “common sense” over players wearing poppies in Friday’s clash with England.
Poppies matter more than points, says David Bernstein
The West Brom captain says players from both sides want to wear poppies for the Armistice Day game despite FIFA rules banning political or personal symbols on kits.
The FA has already announced England’s players will wear black armbands featuring poppies in a compromise they hope will placate football’s world governing body.
And Fletcher hopes the Scots will also find a way to wear the remembrance symbol.
Darren Fletcher is hoping Fifa will let Scotland wear poppies against England
Poppies were on full display during the weekend's Premier League games
“Everyone would love to wear the poppy and wants to wear the poppy to show our respect,” said Fletcher.
“FIFA have their rules and you understand why they have those rules, but hopefully common sense prevails and it’s able to happen.
“It’s important to concentrate on the game but the players would love to show their respects by wearing the poppy.”
Celtic ace Scott Brown looks set to feature against England
Fletcher is likely to hand the armband back to Scott Brown at Wembley, but his namesake, striker Steven, is an injury concern.
Brown, who has reversed his international retirement for Friday’s World Cup qualifier against England, went off with a dead leg during Celtic’s victory over Inverness on Saturday but is confident of being available for selection.
But Fletcher picked up a knock on his knee during Sheffield Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat by Ipswich and is being assessed by the Scotland medical staff.
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