Commentator Ian Wright's comparison of England's FIFA World Cup semi-final against Argentina to "war" has drawn strong criticism and condemnation from Falklands War veterans, the Telegraph reports.

Wright also stated that Wednesday night's match was "more than just a game" and that he had "no love" for the reigning champions.

Appearing as a pundit during ITV's broadcast of Spain's semi-final victory over France, the former England striker deliberately incited the alleged "rivalry" between the two teams, saying: "It's going to be absolute chaos on the field and in the stands, they haven't separated the fans. This is a game where we're going to have to be so calm.

"As time has gone on and I've learned more about Argentina, I have no love for them. Yes, Diego Maradona did some amazing stuff that impressed me, I won't deny that.

"Argentina are the opponents we must beat, this game will be incredibly tough, truly very tough, we are about to enter a real war of attrition, and we must recognise this.

"I heard Thomas Tuchel say it's just a game, but it's much more than just a game, and when kick-off happens, they'll realise that. This game means much more than football itself."

Wright then mentioned the referee for the England team – American referee Ismail Elfath, under whom Argentinian captain Lionel Messi has a 100% winning record.

He added: "I know they'll try everything to cause chaos, as we said before, whether it's fan trouble, penalty controversies, or referee issues – we even heard that this referee might be Messi's good friend or something. I don't care what tactics they use, they can use all their tricks, even bring their own dinner if they want."

In 1982, the UK and Argentina engaged in the Falklands War, a conflict that resulted in the deaths of 255 British soldiers and hundreds more injured.

Simon Weston, a Welsh soldier whose transport ship, the Sir Galahad, was bombed by Argentinian forces, suffering severe burns in the attack, strongly condemned the comparison of a football match to war.

"Some people calling footballers on the pitch heroes is a complete abuse of the word," he said in an interview with The Telegraph. "They are just footballers, not risking their lives on the pitch, which is completely different from a battlefield."

Peter Robinson, who served with 40 Commando during the Falklands War and was famously photographed with a Union Jack tied to his backpack, also commented.

He stated: "Sport should be sport, and conflict should be conflict, the two must never be confused. This game is definitely not a battlefield."

He added: "I don't follow football; it's full of people who think too highly of themselves."

Both veterans also condemned Argentinian fans who publicly burned a British flag ahead of Wednesday's crucial match.

Weston expressed his support for England on Wednesday, saying: "It's an absolute disgrace, but there are always some idiots who do things like that. For God's sake, it's just a football match, grow up. I understand wanting to create tension and hype for the game, but this behavior is truly appalling."

Robinson accused Argentinian fans of trying to rake up the old grievances of the 1982 war, adding: "This is no longer a friendly rivalry. But they always cling to the Falklands issue. How does that song go? 'Don't cry for me, Argentina'? Well, don't cry for me either, Argentina."

Last week, Weston also expressed his disdain for the actions of Argentinian players after a video surfaced showing them singing chants claiming sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (which Argentina calls "Malvinas") after reaching the FIFA World Cup semi-finals.

"It's just a sporting event, and it has nothing to do with what happened 44 years ago," he said. "These players weren't even born then, so their singing of 'Malvinas' songs is complete nonsense and an absolute disgrace."

In 2014, Wright wrote a column for The Sun, stating: "If any young player says they don't want to play for England again, they should be made to call the parents of soldiers who died for their country in Afghanistan, and tell them face-to-face why they refused to play for their country."

Wright's childhood mentor was Sidney Pigden, a former RAF Spitfire pilot during World War II, his primary school teacher, and his first positive male role model. In 2005, Wright mistakenly believed Pigden had passed away, and their reunion in a TV documentary was a moving scene.

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