Mixed opinions of the Euro Fans Zone

25 years ago Baddiel, Skinner and The Lightening Seeds sang on their 1996 hit single ‘No more years of hurt’. It’s true to say that ‘3 Lions’ has since become the ultimate football anthem but now in 2021 the hurt is not just on the pitch, it’s affecting those who may not be so inclined to appreciate ‘the beautiful game’. 

 

At the weekend hundreds of fans descended onto the newly created Euros fan zone to watch the all important England/Croatia match. 

 

Everyone was transfixed to the game, especially when England scored 1-0 and winning their first match of the tournament. But not everyone was cheering with beer splashing everywhere. 

 

Some felt it was inappropriate due to the latest increases of the virus.

 

Local lady Sue Eaves didn’t agree with the proceedings, 

 

“ I am extremely concerned that Preston city centre was the venue for over 500 football supporters to revel together for the football coverage. What on earth is the council thinking of to stage this massively unsafe event in the current dangerous situation of our county in this pandemic. Preston has one of the highest levels of the delta variant of Covid-19 at this current time - it is so irresponsible”. 

 

There was, however a safety plan instituted to enable the event to go ahead smoothly. This included -

It was a controlled outdoor environment with testing in place. Positive feedback has already been received since Sunday and it means events like these throughout the tournament can go ahead safely and securely. 

 

Councillor Matthew Brown, Leader of Preston City Council has reassured those that may have rejected such an event, 

 

“Preston’s Fan Zone has been organised by Preston BID who have worked closely with the Director of Public Health for Lancashire and Preston City Council to ensure that the event followed Covid restrictions and was safe for members of the public.

 

We are very grateful to everyone who visited the fan zone over the weekend for enjoying it safely, following the rules and being respectful of one another and other residents in the city centre. We have also worked hard to encourage visitors to get tested before their visit and are grateful to those who did so. 

 

As we reopen our high street safely events like this are important and we look forward to welcoming fans back for future fixtures”. 

 

England will compete against Scotland this coming Friday 18th June at 8pm. Coverage will be shown on ITV from 7pm -10.30pm. It promises to be a nail biting  part of the early stages of the football tournament. 

 

^Alex Ashworth CCG UK Blogger