World Cup

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World Cup Qualifying - Europe | Group Stage

Nov 12, 2016 at 7.45pm UK

Wales
1-1
Serbia Serbia

Bale (30')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Mitrovic (86')

Chris Coleman: 'Wales poppy stance not disrespectful'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 11 November 2016

Wales manager Chris Coleman backs the Football Association of Wales's decision not to defy FIFA's orders by placing a poppy on players' shirts in the meeting with Serbia.

Chris Coleman has defended the Football Association of Wales's decision to stop players wearing poppies on their shirts for Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Serbia.

The Welsh governing body has opted against defying FIFA's controversial hard-line stance over the use of the remembrance symbol, which they were warned could lead to a possible points deduction and fine.

Wales football chiefs instead plan to depict a giant poppy with the use of a mosaic in the Cardiff City Stadium stands prior to the match, while members of the Flanders Welsh War Memorial at Langemark will also be invited along to watch the game.

Asked by reporters if he stands by the FAW's decision, Coleman said: "Of course. There's a lot been said about it. The fact the game's live on TV tomorrow night, we're standing by the rule that FIFA put in place, we've been respectful of that and I back our decision.

"Remembrance Day is today, though, and that's when we'll be showing our respects in the right manner, as we always do. We're very respectful of Remembrance Day, we know the sacrifices that were made by the men and women who lost their lives for us. So we'll be showing our respect today in the right and proper manner.

"There will be certain people, unfortunately, using it as a vehicle to give their opinion. Whether or not they like us or not, maybe it's an excuse to have a little dig at us. I'm quite sure other people are using it for their own benefit - that's how it is, unfortunately, sadly."

FIFA has denied that the call to prohibit the use of poppies on shirts is down to them, claiming that the International Football Association Board put the law in place.

Wales will also sport plain black armbands for the Group D meeting with Serbia, which has taken on even more importance following last month's home draw with Georgia.