The FA's fading hope of displaying poppies on England's shirts to show their respect and support for our armed forces received welcome and dramatic support on Tuesday night - from Germany.

As FIFA issued a 'final statement' rejecting the FA's poppy plea, their ridiculous stance was further damaged as a senior
German football official declared they have no issue with the gesture.

Flower power: Sports minister Hugh Robertson has written to FIFA

The prospect of causing offence to Germany by wearing poppies against Spain on Saturday is one of the reasons given by FIFA for its rejection of the idea.

A storm raged on Tuesday night, with players such as Rio Ferdinand and Jack Wilshere joined by Prime Minister David Cameron in condemnation of another FIFA snub.

Germany's Federation general secretary Wolfgang Niersbach said: 'This is a decision for England and we would be happy for them to make it.

'I am totally surprised (by the suggestion that German people might be offended) because it just hasn't been mentioned here.

'The Federation has not heard of, or been involved in, any discussions about poppies and whether England should be allowed to wear them on Saturday.

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