Kent MPs have hit out at Fifa's decision not to allow England's footballers to wear poppies on their shirts during Saturday's friendly against Spain.

Tracey Crouch and Hugh Robertson both attacked the sport's world governing body, after it said allowing players to wear poppies "would open the door to similar initiatives from all over the world, jeopardising the neutrality of football".

Fifa rules prevent shirts carrying political, religious or commercial messages.

But Ms Crouch, the MP for Chatham and Aylesford, said a poppy was neither and that wearning one "is an opportunity for people to show their respect to our fallen heroes".

She said: "It's a shame Fifa has taken this position and I think it demonstrates they don't understand what the poppy symbolises.

"I don't actually see what the problem is, especially as I understand England have worn poppies on their shirts in previous games.

"I think this is just an opportunity for Fifa to kick the English FA."

Meanwhile, Mr Robertson, the sports minister and MP for Faversham and Mid Kent, has written a letter to Fifa, outlining his support for the England team.

He said: "The British public feel very strongly about this issue, which is seen as an act of national remembrance to commemorate those who gave their lives in the service of their country.

"It is not religious or political in any way. Wearing a poppy is a display of national pride, just like wearing your country's football shirt."

Prime minister David Cameron also joined the debate, labelling the ban "outrageous" and "absurd".

And Three Lions midfielder Jack Wilshere, whose great-grandfather fought in the Second World War, wrote on Twitter: "The England team should wear poppies on Saturday. It's the nation's tradition and it would be disrespectful not to."

England's players will wear black armbands this weekend and a poppy wreath will be placed on the pitch at Wembley during the national anthems.

A one-minute silence will be held before kick-off and the team's training tops will be embroided with poppies on match day.