With the national team on the brink of a historic victory this weekend, communities across the city are already brimming with pride for Gareth Southgate’s side.
Three of this year’s Lions who may well bring him home to Wembley on Sunday have grown up on the streets of Sheffield and will have the whole city behind them when they come out to face Italy.
But on that day, Sheffield fans won’t have the chance to come together in public to watch events unfold.
While fans from cities like London, Glasgow and Preston will be plentiful to watch the game on the big screen, Sheffield City Council has ruled out setting up a public space for fans to watch the team play. England, citing difficulties in organizing it and the restrictions of Covid.
Instead, Deputy Head Julie Grocutt said fans should use Sunday as “a great opportunity” to boost trade in pubs and other places.
A flag of St. George will also fly above the town hall.
“I would 100% love to see a big screen,” fan Jake said in the downtown area. “I completely agree.”
“It would bring everyone together in the city and I think it’s important when it comes to international football, everyone supports the same team.
“When we had one in 2018 on Devonshire Green I think the atmosphere was amazing. I think it’s so much better when you’re outside and it’s open and you can go out and see a lot more people. “
When asked if a big screen was possible, Ms Grocutt said in a statement: “From a logistical point of view, an event like this takes a lot of management and with the Stage 3 covid restrictions still in place. place, this presents even more challenges to find a suitable space and the event infrastructure that meets all the requirements that we still have to legally adhere to.
“We want everyone to be able to participate and celebrate the big game and there are many venues across town that are hosting events and showing the game.
“This is a great opportunity to boost business commerce and our local economy, which has suffered so much over the past 18 months. Whether you are watching at home, with friends and family, in a downtown location or in your local pub we know all of Sheffield will be behind the guys on Sunday and we will proudly fly the St George’s Flag above Sheffield Town Hall.
Millions of football fans are expected to tune in on Sunday as England take on Italy in their first major tournament final since 1966.
In London, Glasgow and Preston in Lancashire, giant screens and fan zones with social distancing and seating were installed in June for the entire tournament. Hastings Pier in Sussex installed a screen for fans to follow the games.
Photos show supporters separated by tables and fences – but fans can still be seen snuggling and cheering together at the most triumphant moments of each game.
“I think people need something like that,” Adrian, another big screen fan, said outside City Hall. “With social distancing, I think it’s your personal choice to come if you’ve been vaccinated. I think that’s a good idea.”
“A big screen would be nice,” fellow fan Will said on Devonshire Green. “There is an obvious risk with Covid but I don’t think people would be put off. “
In 2018, former Sheffield Mayor Magid Magid created a buzz in the city when he staged a big screen to broadcast the ill-fated England vs Croatia World Cup match on Devonshire Green in less than a week.
Dramatic footage the next day showed the green required considerable work from clean-up crews after hundreds of fans gathered at the pop-up outdoor venue.
Magid told The Star he was inundated with messages on Thursday asking if he was sorting out a big screen.
“I had to have at least 30 messages,” said the former mayor.
“I received a message from the council saying that it is impossible to have a big screen.
“Surely that can’t be impossible?” Having a screen in Sheffield, where football was invented, while it potentially comes home, is it impossible? When other cities managed to sort screens?
“Football does more to unite the country than government or politics right now.
“The board could have overcome this with better planning and more up front.”
This year’s England squad includes no less than three players who grew up in Sheffield – Mosborough defender Harry Maguire, full …
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Source: www.thestar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-07-08 19:23:38
