A new report by the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) says immigration detention centre staff are being warned not to display England-related symbols during the World Cup. According to the report, staff should avoid wearing St George’s flags or England badges because officials believe such displays could be perceived as intimidating by detainees. The IMB links the warning to concerns about maintaining “professional standards” in detention settings. The guidance is presented as an operational recommendation for centre staff, aimed at preventing potential negative impacts on how detainees experience contact with staff. The report’s stance focuses on the likely effect of visible team identification in a custodial environment, where power dynamics and heightened sensitivities can influence perceptions. The warning does not indicate that staff face punitive action in itself, but it highlights that detentions require strict attention to professional conduct and neutrality. The IMB report therefore calls for staff to refrain from England-themed clothing and similar visible identifiers while World Cup matches are taking place.