World governing body World Rugby has been "very supportive", according to Ritchie.

"We are commemorating and remembering all people who have died in conflict. This is not a partisan thing or a political statement," Ritchie told BBC Radio 5 live.

"This is something that is just right as an act of remembrance, and it is right to do it on the weekend when we play South Africa."..

Those corrupt bastads in FIFA should read this .. the final statement says it all about the Poppy and it's meaning. .

At least the FA has grown a pair and told them to do one..

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Some eejit on the radio said that last time it happened the poppy was allowed on armbands since Spain didn't give a feck but if the opponent had been Germany it would have been different. Do people not understand what the poppy represents? They need to be educated as if poppies aren't allowed but a minutes silence for every man and his dog is what is the point?

Like the proverbial chimpanzee hammering away at a typewriter, I suppose it had to happen. Danny Mills has finally said something sensible:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37941626

I've been buying a poppy for almost as long as I can remember but that's a personal choice. I hate the way everyone in the public eye is now obliged to wear one. It's a British symbol of remembrance for British war dead; nothing wrong with that, but it is 'political' in the sense that there won't be too many poppies being worn in Dublin today. Or in a fairly long list of countries where the locals don't exactly buy into the idea that British servicemen died for their freedom. Argentina, Afghanistan, Iraq....

That said, whoever came up with the fixture list for the World Cup qualifiers should be shot at dawn - a competitive game between 2 British teams on 11.11 in the middle of the UK's Centenary programme of events to commemorate World War One! No wonder the red tops are foaming at the mouth.

The daftest thing I've seen on tv is the Cookie Monster wearing a poppy.

Who sat there n thought oh crap we better put a poppy on the Cookie Monster


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mmmm cookies

Mr Dawes, I don't wish to seem a pedant but my opinion of the symbol of the Poppy is for ALL those who gave their lives, primarily in the 2 World Wars. ie not just British but all, therefore not a Political Symbol, but a symbol of Peace and Thanks.

Not quite a War to end all Wars unfortunately.

We're all free to interpret symbols any way we like Mr. Bishop, but I'm pretty clear when I make my poppy donation where the money is going and what it will be used for:

http://www.britishlegion.org.uk

I'm also clear that the Royal British Legion supports British veterans and families of veterans irrespective of the conflict in which they fought; neither it nor the poppy is limited to the two World Wars.

The poppy isn't a universally recognised symbol of anything, any more than its French equivalent, le bleuet de France (cornflower) which the vast majority of Brits have never heard of.

Mr Dawes, with all due respect, I think we are in agreement and on this subject matter, IMHO it would be not be appropriate for a debate (especially on this date), as I think we are all singing from the same hymsheet, as it were.

Absolutely in agreement - I will be watching the match on TV tonight and observing the minute's silence before it starts.

After that, looking forward to a turgid 90 minutes and an Engerland win!

Now now Mr Dawes, that's inciting an arguement, how dare you suggest the brilliant Engerland will win!!!!!!! 1-1 all over.

People gave their lives for his cookies.

Had a Millie's cookie up dalton park today. Unreal them. Even seen the colonel. 2 treats in 1 day.


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Love a fresh cookie like, all gooey and that.