This is the meaning of the red flower symbol “Poppy” on the shirt of the English League club

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Every time November enters, there is a typical sight that always appears on English football pitches.

Almost all players, coaches and commentators were seen wearing jerseys and carrying red flower symbols.

It turns out that this is a sign full of historical significance. The red flower is not just a decoration or part of the shirt design.

However, the symbol is known as the “Poppy Flower”, which is interpreted to commemorate the services of the heroes of England and the Commonwealth who died on the battlefield.

This commemoration coincides with “Remembrance Day” or Heroes’ Day in Britain, which falls every November 11, the day after Indonesia commemorates Heroes’ Day.

At this time, all levels of British society, including the football community, remember the sacrifices of the warriors who died in war for the country.

For this reason, from late October to mid-November, players in the English Premier League wore special shirts with red poppies on the chest.

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The origin and meaning of poppies

Red poppies began to be used as a symbol of respect after the end of World War I in 1918. These flowers are usually placed on the gravestones of combatants.

At the time, red poppies grew in abundance on the battlefields, particularly in France and Belgium, areas that saw the deaths of thousands of British soldiers between 1914 and 1918. Thus, this flower was chosen as a symbol of this history.

The red color of the poppy flower symbolizes the blood and sacrifice of the soldiers, as well as being a symbol of the unity and steadfastness of the British people in facing the difficult moments of the war.

On the other hand, the tradition of wearing shirts with poppies in the Premier League has been going on since 2012.

Premier League clubs consistently participate in this annual campaign as a form of respect for their national heroes.

However, it is also permitted not to participate in this participation. There are several players who choose not to use it, such as Nemanja Matic (former Manchester United player) and James McClean (Stoke City).

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The reason they refused was because they thought the symbol had political intentions and that it represented a dark story for them.

Quoting the official website of the Premier League, in 2025 all clubs will wear the poppy flower shirt again from 23 October to 11 November.

Not only a symbol of respect, poppy flower shirts are also part of charity activities.

The Premier League is teaming up with veterans organization The Royal British Legion to auction off match-worn shirts on Remembrance Day.

Before being auctioned, each shirt will be autographed directly by the player. Subsequently, proceeds from sales will be channeled through the annual ‘Poppy Appeal’ program to help the Armed Forces community and their families.

Most auctions are conducted online via the Match Worn Shirt website from November to December.

This activity is a form of concern from the world of English football for the services of the soldiers who have sacrificed themselves for the country.

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