David Baddiel Responds To 'Offensive' Three Lions Controversy

David Baddiel has responded to the 'Three Lions' controversy that the song could potentially be 'offensive' or 'arrogant' towards other countries.

The rumour mill has been in full swing as the famous song was said to be getting replaced at the Qatar World Cup.

The report, which was published by The Sun, suggested that England fan's favourite chant 'It’s Coming Home' could be getting replaced by Neil Diamond’s 'Sweet Caroline' because the FA allegedly believed the song to be too 'arrogant'.

Well, the comedian has now had his say and took to social media to express his feelings.

Baddiel said: "Three Lions which is about how England mainly fail in tournaments but we as fans hope that somehow, magically, knowing it’s probably wrong, that they might one day do better, is of course extremely arrogant."

Three Lions which is about how England mainly fail in tournaments but we as fans hope that somehow, magically, knowing it’s probably wrong, that they might one day do better, is of course extremely arrogant. https://t.co/5rmiFZLiXp

— David Baddiel (@Baddiel) May 5, 2022

On the other hand, England legend Paul Gascoigne told the newspaper: “The FA have totally lost the plot. 

“It would be like saying we can’t wave St George’s flags anymore. 

“This woke nonsense has no place in football. It’s just a great song. You can’t take that song off us. 'Sweet Caroline' doesn’t come close."

Piers Morgan also commented on the rumours, saying: “This is a ridiculous idea. 

“The song is all about wallowing in 30 years of hurt and pain at not winning anything, how can anyone say it is arrogant. 

“We should absolutely stick with 'Three Lions'.” 

The Sun even launched a campaign to save the song from getting removed.

However, the FA have now come out and said that the rumours are just that – rumours.

They said: "Contrary to reports this morning, The FA still plays Three Lions at major Wembley matches and has never had any intention of doing otherwise.

"The song belongs to the fans and is about the hope of following the England team. It was requested by The FA to be played as one of our team songs at the 2018 World Cup and at the EUROs last summer, and this is our plan at tournaments going forwards."

Update from The FA: pic.twitter.com/B9ur4NzE8V

— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) May 5, 2022

Former head of media relations at the FA, Steve Double, was concerned about the song's release would potentially encourage hooliganism.

In a 2021 article for The Mirror, he explained: "It was the original lyrics to Three Lions. After the success of New Order's World in Motion for the 1990 World Cup, the FA's endorsement for the official England song had become sought-after.

"[...] Foreseeing no issues, I read the lyrics. 'Jules Rimet still gleaming... 30 years of hurt... never stopped me dreaming'. Very nice.

"Bobby belting the ball, and Nobby dancing...' This is good, I thought.

"'...Butcher at war...' Hang on. Terry Butcher was famed as England's blood-spattered centre back from the 1990 World Cup campaign.

"But this is football, not war."