IT is almost a month before England meet Paraguay in Frankfurt, but already the flag of St George is flying proudly from cars across Greater Manchester.
They can now be seen fluttering on all types of vehicles as the country gears up for the World Cup.
An FA spokesman said: "There are England flags everywhere. They were around for St George's Day and just haven't gone away.
"We noticed the same thing happening for Euro 2004 in Portugal. People are proud to fly the flag. Any negative connotations have been dispelled over the last few years and people are no longer afraid to show who they support. "
For those who really want to show their colours, é16.50 buys a "Car Decoration Pack" - two car flags, furry dice, a tax disc holder, two metallic badges, two number plate emblems, a car aerial football, an air freshener, a hanging football strip, a windscreen banner, four satin ribbons and four bumper stickers.
Lightweight
At one time there were warnings to drivers that they could face fines and penalty points for flying flags from their cars.
But Andrew Howard, of AA Motoring Trust, said: "Most of them now are very lightweight and clip on firmly. They are not going to pose a problem. But what was happening at first was that people were sticking the cross of St George all over their doors and windows so they could not see out.
"And people flew even bigger flags by tying the pole to their cars. But the proprietory stuff should be OK. The things to ask are: Is it interfering with your vision and will it hurt anyone if it flies off?"
Outcry
Cabbies are able to fly their flags without fear in Rochdale this year. Before Euro 2004 they were warned by the council they contravened a ban on signs and adverts. The threat was withdrawn after an outcry.
A town hall spokesman said: "We have relaxed the regulation for the duration of the World Cup and we are quite happy for them to fly the flag. The only condition is that passengers must be able to open the window."
There has never been a better time to be in the flag business. At flag maker Trounce, in Cheetham Hill, boss Lesley Van der Zwan said: "As fast as we get them in they are being snapped up."
But there is a price to pay for supporting the boys.
Joe Pattinson of Direct Line Insurance, said: "Flags will increase drag and in turn fuel consumption."
Is it too early to be flying the flag? Have your say.
Tweet
Comments
Login or Register to comment
We should fly the flag all the time but I long for the day when we fly the Flag of St George over an ENGLISH parliament.
Far too many of those flags are on cars that were made abroad, that are driven to the supermarket to buy food flown halfway across the world, even if it's in season here.
If people really are so proud of their country they should show it all the time- buy local products- not just whenever "our boys" have a tournament to lose.
our great flag should be showed at every opportunity ,not just for the world cup,off course many labour councils such as oldham ,blackburn and bradford are scared to death of doing so in case someone is "offended"i, had a friend in bury lancs who had a farm where he used to sell local produce were many of his customers were asians, outside was a kingsized flag of st george i asked many of them if they was "offended " to a man they all said the same ,"you crazy" its your country and you should be proud of it the same we are proud of ours."
That those whom you call'd fathers did beget you. Be copy now to men of grosser blood, And teach them how to war. And you, good yeoman, Whose limbs were made in England, show us here The mettle of your pasture; let us swear That you are worth your breeding; which I doubt not; For there is none of you so mean and base, That hath not noble lustre in your eyes. I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips, Straining upon the start. The game's afoot Follow your spirit, and upon this charge
Cry 'God for Harry, England, and Saint George! Once more into the breech???????????????. Keep the flag flying at all times!
Don't take your flags down if asked to do so;the police and political correctness brigade have NO right to tell you to do so!!!!!!!!!!