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Piers Morgan brands Argentina 'classless' over Falklands flag as celebs wade in to row

Piers Morgan joined those criticising Argentina players for their flag about the Falklands following their World Cup semi-final win over England in Atlanta

[Argentina's players held up a banner reading "The Malvinas (Falkland Islands) belong to Argentina" after beating England in the World Cup semi-final]

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Argentina's players held up a banner reading "The Malvinas (Falkland Islands) belong to Argentina" after beating England in the World Cup semi-final(Image: Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images)

Piers Morgan was among the famous faces reacting to Argentina holding up a Falkland Islands flag after their win over England. The presenter branded the footballers "classless pr*cks" after they unveiled the banner in front of their cheering fans as part of theier semi-final celebrations.

Several Argentine players held up a banner that read "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" which translates to "The Malvinas (Falkland Islands) belong to Argentina". It came after the South American's sent the Three Lions crashing out of the competition with a 2-1 victory.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Piers wrote: "Classless pr*cks. I hope Spain beat them as badly in the Final as we beat them in the Falklands War."

[Players stand around the banner on the Falklands]

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Argentina players stand around the banner on the Falklands(Image: Getty Images)

TV presenter Lorraine Kelly aslo waded into the arguments, calling out the players for their "shameful" antics. She wrote on Instagram: "SHAMEFUL!! FIFA should throw the book at them.What an insult to the Falkland Islanders and to all our brave British armed forces who fought in the Falklands War."

The pair's views were echoed by many users online. Nigel Farage also wrote: "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."

Argentina could face FIFA sanctions after they waved the banner in support of their countrys claims to the Falkland Islands. Senior minister Peter Kyle slammed their World Cup semi-final behaviour, with the UK government urging officials to investigate the "egregious violation of the rules" on political messaging inside stadiums .

Article 34.3 of the tournament's rules prohibit the display of any political messages or slogans by players before, during or after a match.

Tensions linger between Argentina and Great Britain over the Falkland Islands. In 1982, there was a short but bloody war and Buenos Aires has repeatedly claimed sovereignty over the islands.

A Downing Street spokeswoman said: The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are. Our position is unchanged, and self-determination rests with the islanders. Our commitment to the Falklands will never waiver."

[Piers Morgan also appeared on the BBC show]

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Piers Morgan was among those criticising the actions(Image: BBC)

They went on: "Potential action is a matter for Fifa, its been a fantastic World Cup, and weve said throughout that politics should stay out of football The PM wishes both teams well for the final, especially Spain.

Thomas Tuchel and his team have taken us deep into the tournament in this World Cup, giving us thrilling matches against teams like Mexico and Norway, that people will never forget.

"He thinks the team have represented England wonderfully both on and off the pitch. The Prime Minister is proud of the team.

The actions come after Argentina's vice president stoked tensions after turning her countrys World Cup win political. She shared on social media saying the Falklands "are Argentine". Victoria Villarruel, whose father fought in the Falklands War, posted a picture on X of Argentina players holding up the banner.

Ahead of the fixture, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said he was "not going to mix" politics and football. But the memo didn't seem to filter down to his players after the match.

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