Northern Ireland

England and Wales in last minute backdown on World Cup armbands, but BBC presenter wears one

Ex-England international and BBC pundit Alex Scott wore the armband inside the Khalifa International Stadium
Ex-England international and BBC pundit Alex Scott wore the armband inside the Khalifa International Stadium Ex-England international and BBC pundit Alex Scott wore the armband inside the Khalifa International Stadium

BBC pundit Alex Scott has appeared on air wearing the One Love armband.

It comes after England and Wales announced the teams would not wear the armbands after Fifa warned they would impose "sporting sanctions" if the captains wore them on the field of play.

Scott was widely praised on social media.

England and Wales announced via a joint statement from other European nations who had signed up to the One Love campaign that the armbands would no longer be worn.

The teams adding they would not risk yellow cards or more.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's official spokesman said: "We share the FA's frustration with Fifa's decision on this which puts players in a very difficult position. It is, ultimately, a decision for the FA.

"On LGBT rights more broadly, clearly Qatar's policies are not those of the UK Government and not ones we would endorse."

Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan said it was "disappointing" that players faced punishment for supporting equal rights.

"The OneLove armband promotes diversity & inclusion, which are values we will always stand up for," she said.

"It is disappointing that our players are put in a position where they face being punished for supporting equal human rights."