England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland fined by FIFA for poppy displays on Remembrance Day

Both England and Scotland wore the poppy armbands (Getty)

The Football Associations of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland __have been fined for their displays of poppies around Remembrance Day.

Despite warnings that they might be punished for displaying the symbol, the World Cup qualifier between England and Scotland on November 11 saw both teams wear armbands featuring the poppy as well as numerous other Armistice Day tributes.

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Meanwhile the Welsh FA opted against armbands, but the poppy was displayed in alternative ways during their game with Serbia. Northern Ireland also displayed the symbol.

The displays have been deemed to __have broken FIFA’s rules on making ‘political statements’, leading to the fine.

What do the rules say exactly?

Rule 4 under ‘The Players’ Equipment’ states: ‘Equipment must not have any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images.’

The Football Association was handed the largest punishment, with a fine of 45,000 Swiss francs (£35,308) for several incidents including the wearing of poppies on armbands by players.

Members of the Armed Services carried a Poppy wreath onto the pitch (Getty)

Fans were unimpressed with FIFA’s stance (Getty)

The Scottish Football Association and the Football Association of Wales were fined 20,000 Swiss francs (£15,692) and the Irish Football Association 15,000 Swiss francs (£11,769) for related offences.

During the row, it also came to widespread attention that the Republic of Ireland wore shirts commemorating the Easter Rising in a friendly against Switzerland in March. FIFA has now announced that the Football Association of Ireland has been fined 5,000 Swiss francs (£3,923).

Supporters held up placards to form a giant poppy at Wales’ game with Serbia (Getty)

What FIFA said...

The Disciplinary Committee has taken these decisions after analysing all of the specific circumstances of each case. ‘With these decisions, it is not our intention to judge or question specific commemorations as we fully respect the significance of such moments in the respective countries, each one of them with its own history and background. However, keeping in mind that the rules need to be applied in a neutral and fair manner across FIFA’s 211 member associations, the display, among others, of any political or religious symbol is strictly prohibited. In the stadium and on the pitch, there is only room for sport, nothing else,’ said the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, Claudio Sulser.

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While the fines will not be welcomed, the punishment falls well short of the potential for a points deduction that was threatened.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp insists Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana much more than just attackers

Jurgen Klopp praised Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana after the game (Picture: Getty)

Jurgen Klopp has given his backing to Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana after they endured a difficult game against Everton in the Merseyside derby.

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The Liverpool boss singled out the attacking pair for praise after the Reds earned a late win over Everton, with Firmino one of the few players on the pitch to produce a shot on target.

Klopp admitted Lallana was missing his usual genius, but says his and Firmino’s contribution goes far beyond just providing goals.

‘I saw a lot of matchwinners actually,’ Klopp told Sky Sports.

Klopp was delighted with Firmino’s contribution (Picture: Getty)

‘Okay Sadio scored the goal, but Daniel we needed someone who could shoot the ball off the post.

‘All the others, it’s a difficult game for Roberto Firmino but he’s so important for us.

‘It’s not the most easy moment for him, but he’s so important, always in the game for us, always able to make something happen.

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‘Gini really strong, Adam not genius today, but really strong again.

‘If you only win your games on your brilliant days, you don’t win a lot of games.’

Liverpool’s narrow victory pushed them back up to second in the table with the Reds six points behind leaders Chelsea.

Has Dimitri Payet just issued the cheekiest come-and-get-me plea to Arsenal?

Dimitri Payet has spoken out over Arsenal’s interest (Picture: Getty)

Dimitri Payet has admitted that he’s an avid admirer of Arsenal in a revealing interview in France ahead of the January transfer window.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has been linked with a move for Payet in recent times and the 29-year-old West Ham star admitted he was aware of the speculation.

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Payet has made 55 appearances for the Hammers since making his debut last year but it appears the French attacking midfielder is now angling for a move away from the Olympic Stadium.

‘I read that Wenger considered me as the missing piece of Arsenal’s play, but he said nothing to me [laughs],’ he told French outlet RMC.

Arsene Wenger is a fan of the West Ham attacker (Picture: Getty)

‘We conceded five or six at home against them recently.

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‘When you see them play, as a ball playing footballer, one could only enjoy oneself playing in this team.

‘They are candidates for the title every year.’

Diego Costa set to be offered new deal to commit to Chelsea until 2021

Diego Costa is ready for a bumper new deal (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea’s Diego Costa is reportedly set to be rewarded for his sublime form with a new bumper deal with the club.

The Spanish striker has been in top form for the Blues this season, scoring 13 goals as Antonio Conte’s side __have climbed to the top of the league.

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The Daily Mail say Costa’s recent efforts __have convinced Chelsea chiefs to offer the 28-year-old a bumper pay rise.

It is said the club want Costa to pen a two-year extension to his current deal which expires in 2019, and are willing to offer him a bumper pay rise to ensure he puts pen to paper.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte (Picture: Getty)

Costa, who joined the Blues in 2014, has scored 45 goals in 71 games for the west London outfit.

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