Explained: Why Argentina players are facing backlash over post-match banner [Courtesy/AFP]
Argentina players Lisandro Martinez and Giovani Lo Celso sparked controversy after their World Cup semifinal victory over England by waving a banner thrown onto the pitch by fans declaring sovereignty over the Falkland Islands.
The banner read, "Las Malvinas Son Argentinas", meaning "The Falklands are Argentinian."
According to Al Jazeera, the dispute dates back to 1816, when Argentina claims it inherited the islands from Spain after gaining independence.
Britain took control of the territory in 1833, a move Argentina considers illegal.
