A YOUTH football team has sparked outraged after their under-8s match was cancelled due to the side replacing the corner flags with Palestinian flags.
Queens Park Crescents FC were informed that their opponents Wixams Wanderers forfeited Sunday’s game after their plan to use Palestine flags on the corners of the pitch.
Despite the cancellation, the club remained steadfast in their choice, citing the move as an “opportunity to enlighten [their] followers” about the Israel-Palestinian conflict.
However, their statement has resulted in immense backlash from angry Brits who have called for the club to leave politics out of grassroots football.
Queens Park Crescents FC allege that the club has “confirmed” with the FA that there is no issue with displaying the flags.
In a social media post on Sunday, the team wrote: “Today, our U8s coach told us the opposing team forfeited the game over our Palestine corner flags.
“No issue with displaying them; confirmed with the FA. However, we view this incident as an opportunity to enlighten our followers about the gravity of the situation.”
The post gained 15,000 likes and more than 180 comments from infuriated users – however, the team has since turned the comment section off, preventing any further replies to their post.
One user wrote: “Under 8’s… stop bringing politics into a game of football involving children.”
Another said: “And then turns off comments. No way a team of under-8s decided that. 100% come from adults.”
A third added: “If I saw that, I’d turn my team around and go home. It’s kids’ football, don’t bring politics, beliefs or causes into it. Wrong time, wrong place.”
Another commented: “Can’t imagine kids from either team understand anywhere near enough to care. All be whatever parents feed [them]. Just kick a ball and have fun at that age.”
A fifth replied: “The coaches/manager/club involved need a talking to. Keep politics out of children’s football.”
Another said: “Under-8s who all just wanted a game of footy on a Sunday morning and you virtue signalling helmets have ruined it for something they don’t understand.
“They’re 8, f**k this off.”
