MP takes FIFA to Parliament after England fan barred from World Cup over submarine on badge

A Barrow supporter was refused entry to AT&T Stadium in Dallas with an England flag because it displayed his local club’s crest — which features a submarine — triggering a parliamentary response and a wry act of protest from the National League side itself.

John Little arrived at England’s World Cup Group L opener against Croatia earlier this month only to be told his St George’s Cross, decorated with Barrow AFC’s badge, violated a FIFA blanket ban on flags bearing weapons. Because a submarine is classified as military hardware under the rule, Little and his group were denied the chance to display the flag at the home of the Dallas Cowboys.

Barrow and Furness MP Michelle Scrogham has now raised the matter in Parliament and tabled a motion in the House of Commons, co-signed by Labour MPs Paul Foster and Cat Smith. “Barrow AFC’s crest is a proud symbol of our town’s identity, history, and achievements,” Scrogham said. “The submarine is not a political statement — it reflects the generations of skilled workers who have built a world-class industry here in Barrow-in-Furness.”

She called on FIFA to engage directly with the club and its supporters and adopt “a more proportionate approach that respects the cultural and historical significance of community symbols while ensuring football remains welcoming to all.”

Barrow AFC responded with a touch of dry humour last week, temporarily blurring the submarine on their badge so Little could continue representing the club in the United States. Posting on X, the club wrote: “In order to make sure our supporter John Little can represent the Bluebirds over in Boston properly, we’d like to unveil our new temporary club badge for the duration of the World Cup.”

The club also tagged FIFA’s official social media accounts and pointedly asked whether the arrow on their badge would need to go too, given that it is, technically, also a weapon.

The row unfolded against the backdrop of England’s 4-2 victory over Croatia in that same opener. Harry Kane scored twice, with Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford also on target. Martin Baturina and Petar Musa had given Croatia hope at half-time, but Thomas Tuchel’s side ultimately claimed all three points to move to the top of Group L.