A group of travelling supporters had their flags confiscated by Spanish authorities after England's defeat to Spain and were told it carried a 'racist symbol' - the crossed irons of West Ham United.

Chris Lipman and fellow Hammer Ryan Willsmer travelled to Alicante to watch Roy Hodgson's Three Lions at the Estadio Rico Perez on Friday night, but were left with no explanation after their flag and four other bearing West Ham's symbol were all removed.

The pair were told that if they claimed ownership of any of the flags they would face a £3,000 fine for displaying a political or racist banner at the game and that the flag would still not be returned to them. Theirs cost around £200 to make and carries great sentimental value having travelled with the pair to England games around the globe, including the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

"We arrived 30 minutes prior to kick-off, which is a bit too late to get a decent spot for the flag," Chris explains. "We managed to find a spot at the top of the stairs and then tied to the flag to some railings, directly in front of the watching stewards. We went and found our seats for the match and thought no more of it.

"Come the end of the game, we then returned to find the flag gone. Fearing it had been stolen, we asked the same stewards who had seen us tie it up what had happened. They just stood there, shrugging their shoulders. After asking more stewards we were told to go to another gate where the officials' entrance was located.

"After almost an hour, several FA officials begun to leave the stadium. Some chose to ignore our requests for answers. The situation was become more and more hostile, with the Spanish authorities becoming aggressive. They begun to try and remove us from the immediate area in front of the gate by pushing away and shouting and tensions grew."

Chris (centre) with Ryan (left) and fellow England and West Ham fan Ian Golding (Chris Lipman)

West Ham United's new badge

Chris explains that FA Chairman Greg Dyke and PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor emerged and attempted to help.

"Luckily both Greg Dyke and Gordon Taylor appeared as they were leaving the stadium to head back to their hotel. When they came, they heard the commotion and, to be fair, asked what the issue was.

"With a roll of the eyes, as no doubt they have seen this all before, they walked back into the stadium to try and get more information. They came back around five minutes later saying they had spoken to someone and confirmed the Spanish chief of police had ordered the removal of all of the flags because they carried a 'racist symbol'.

"The same symbol West Ham have declared as our new badge to move into the Olympic Stadium, which ironically has been designed to be more marketable and considered a better brand for the club. The same symbol which [co-chairman] David Sullivan encourages West Ham fans and players to use in support of the club, the same symbol Boris Johnson made only last week when visiting the stadium."

Spain vs England player ratings Show all 22 1 /22 Spain vs England player ratings Spain vs England player ratings Iker Casillas - 6 out of 10 Rarely troubled and equal to all that was asked of him. Will need to be tested further to justify his selection over David de Gea. Spain vs England player ratings Mario Gaspar – 8 out of 10 Two international goals in two caps for the novice Villarreal right-back. Staked his claim for a regular starting berth even before his wonderful late strike. 2015 Getty Images Spain vs England player ratings Jordi Alba – 6 out of 10 Often found space down England’s right-hand side but could not make use of the opportunity. Overshadowed by the performance of Mario on the other flank. 2015 Manuel Queimadelos Alonso Spain vs England player ratings Gerard Pique – 7 out of 10 Still whistled by the stands in Alicante but remained typically composed, especially when carrying the ball out from the back. An invaluable presence in defence. Spain vs England player ratings Marc Bartra – 8 out of 10 Commanding in his own box, lively in England’s. Should have diverted Busquets’ first half effort home, was almost slipped through on goal after the break. 2015 The FA Spain vs England player ratings Sergio Busquets – 7 out of 10 The Barcelona enforcer marshalled the middle of the park despite Barkley sometimes causing a nuisance. Particularly stood out when compared with England’s holding midfield options. 2015 The FA Spain vs England player ratings Cesc Fabregas – 7 out of 10 Sometimes disjointed in possession but seemed relieved to be playing in red rather than blue. A wonderful through pass immediately after the goal deserved better. Getty Images Spain vs England player ratings Thiago Alcantara - 7 out of 10 Spain’s coming man looked bright with precise and intricate passing until being forced off with an injury. Will soon be the heart of this side. Spain vs England player ratings Andreas Iniesta – 8 out of 10 All of Spain’s early dominance came through the Barcelona midfielder. Typically delightful with the ball, he stood out in the first half. Unfortunate to be subbed. Spain vs England player ratings Paco Alcacer – 6 out of 10 Saw a shot flash wide of Hart’s post before the break. Spain’s leading scorer during their qualification campaign was otherwise disappointingly quiet on the night. Spain vs England player ratings Diego Costa – 5 out of 10 The Chelsea man was livelier than he has been at Stamford Bridge this term but still blunt in front of goal. Replaced by Juan Mata. 2015 Manuel Queimadelos Alonso Spain vs England player ratings Joe Hart - 6 out of 10 Captained the side in absence of Rooney and had little to do in the opening half. Watched Pique shot deflect wide but helpless with either goal. Spain vs England player ratings Kyle Walker - 6 out of 10 Kept place from qualifier in Lithuania and took every opportunity to get forward. Too easily beaten by Nolito and out of position for second. 2015 Getty Images Spain vs England player ratings Phil Jones - 5 out of 10 Preferred ahead of Josh Stones. Got back well to dispossess Alcacer and stuck to task well but as with rest of visiting side was eventually overwhelmed. 2015 Getty Images Spain vs England player ratings Chris Smalling - 6 out of 10 Has been in superb form for club and cut out a number of crosses. Enjoyed physicality of battle with Costa but could only stand and admire opener. Spain vs England player ratings Ryan Bertrand - 6 out of 10 Southampton man got forward well and sent in some dangerous crosses that England failed to benefit from. Pegged back as hosts moved up a gear. Getty Spain vs England player ratings Michael Carrick - 5 out of 10 Starved of possession and unable to make meaningful impact. Showed his age as Spanish counterparts whizzed around him. Off injured late on 2015 Getty Images Spain vs England player ratings Fabian Delph - 6 out of 10 Surprising pick for a first start in two months. Sloppy in possession at times and overhit passes. Sent shot straight at Casillas and taken off on hour. 2015 Getty Images Spain vs England player ratings Raheem Sterling - 6 out of 10 Shot carlessly over after making space for himself on left of area in opening minutes. Caused problems with pace but well policed by home defence. 2015 Getty Images Spain vs England player ratings Ross Barkley - 7 out of 10 Twice sent weak shots wide after promising runs. One of few England players that appeared comfortable in possession and kept defenders occupied. Spain vs England player ratings Adam Lallana - 5 out of 10 Liverpool winger struggled to press claims for regular starting place, regularly ceding the ball. Replaced by Eric Dier shortly after the hour mark. Spain vs England player ratings Harry Kane - 6 out of 10 Failed to meet cross and wasted move with weak finish. Little to work with and powered wide after break but off pace overall. Shot saved in final minute. 2015 Manuel Queimadelos Alonso

The pair were then told that they could email in a complaint - they intend to contact the Football Association first thing on Monday.