ITV presenter Lorraine Kelly has launched a scathing attack on the Argentine football team following their controversial Falklands banner display after Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final triumph over England.
The Scottish broadcaster took to Instagram on Thursday morning to share an image of the players holding the provocative sign, accompanied by a furious message.
“SHAMEFUL!! FIFA should throw the book at them,” Ms Kelly wrote.
“What an insult to the Falkland Islanders and to all our brave British armed forces who fought in the Falklands War. I hope Spain gives them a right humping in the final.”
And the ITV host wasn’t the only famous face outraged. Olympian Denise Lewis replied to Ms Kelly’s post saying: “Just appalling behaviour.
“This action should be more than a fine! It was premeditated and causing painful memories for so many.” (sic)
Meanwhile, one of Ms Kelly’s followers echoed: “If Fifa doesn’t take action regarding this, then it’s clear that the game is rigged.”
“Unfortunately, nothing will happen as Fifa corruption is rife. Maybe the FA should take action against the players that play here,” another weighed in, while a third suggested: “Fifa should disqualify them.” (sic)
Ms Kelly’s disgust at the gesture comes after Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Fifa to launch an investigation into the Argentine players responsible for the political display.
A Downing Street spokeswoman responded firmly to the incident, stating: “The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are.”
The government spokesperson added that Britain’s position remains unchanged, with self-determination resting with the islanders, and that the UK’s commitment to the Falklands “will never waiver.”
When asked whether the Prime Minister supported calls for an investigation, the official confirmed they would “echo that position.”
Lorraine Kelly fumed about the Argentina team’s antics
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ITVReform UK leader Nigel Farage also weighed in, writing: “Whilst I am disgusted at the behaviour of some Argentinian players last night, the most important thing to do is build up the Royal Navy quickly.”
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch declared on social media: “The Falkland Islands are British. The Conservatives will always defend them.”
Conservative Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith demanded that Fifa impose sanctions before Sunday’s final against Spain, describing the players’ actions as “completely unacceptable.”
Speaking to GB News, Mr Griffith emphasised the human cost of the 1982 conflict, noting that “255 sons and daughters” lost their lives defending British sovereign territory.
Lorraine Kelly wasn’t alone in her condemnation of the players
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PAHe pointed out that 99 per cent of Falkland Islanders voted to remain British in a referendum, insisting that “democracy and self-determination can’t be the losers.”
Mr Griffith called for “action this day,” highlighting Fifa’s previous willingness to penalise England for wearing poppies and to suspend Spanish players over Gibraltar-related comments.
“Whether it’s fines or suspensions, this cannot wait until the end of the tournament,” he insisted, urging the governing body to send a clear signal that such behaviour was unacceptable.
The banner incident occurred moments after Argentina secured their place in Sunday’s final with a dramatic late comeback, overturning Anthony Gordon’s second-half opener through goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez.
Fifa regulations explicitly prohibit political messaging, with Article 34.3 of tournament rules banning such displays before, during, or after matches.
The governing body fined Argentina £20,000 for an identical banner at a 2014 friendly against Slovenia.
Manager Lionel Scaloni had stated before kick-off that he would not mix politics with football, calling the 1982 conflict “a very sad period in our history.”