The rivalry between Wales and England fans is in danger of overstepping the mark according to a leading firm of lawyers, but one Welsh pub which had decided to ban England fans have now reversed the decision.
O'Neills in Cardiff had taken the step of banning England fans for Tuesday's crunch World Cup group stage match, which would see Wales eliminated with anything other than a win.
The popular pub on the corner of St Mary Street and Wood Street at the heart of Cardiff's nightlife had decided to house Wales supporters only for the clash due to "the extreme levels of passion and support" on show around the game.
“For the safety and comfort of all our team and guests, we have taken the decision to be a home fan zone tomorrow evening,” a spokesman for the pub said on Monday.
“This means we will only be allowing supporters of the Welsh team into the business.
“The extreme levels of passion and support on show for this particular game are like nothing we have ever seen before, and we want everyone to enjoy it in a safe and friendly atmosphere. Cymru am Byth! [Wales forever!]”
However, in a tweet on Tuesday they announced a U-turn, saying: "We have made the decision to welcome both Wales and England football fans to watch the exciting World Cup 2022 tie this evening.
"As always, we will have security in place to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for everyone to enjoy the football."
Cardiff is home to a large student population and therefore thousands of English people, but it remains to be seen if England fans will choose to watch the match at O'Neills after the lifting of the ban.
The news comes as a leading firm of lawyers have warned of the dangers to employers of discussions between fans in the workplace becoming overheated and potentially dangerous.
With the game sure to be a hot topic of conversation in the hours building up to Tuesday's 7pm GMT kick-off, and then after the game on Wednesday morning, companies have been warned that they could face legal action if an employee was deemed to be abused in the workplace.
"Not all staff members who are football fans may support England and workplace banter may develop between staff members who support opposing nations, particularly as Wales has qualified for the tournament and will be facing England," Peter Nicholson, of Nelsons Solicitors, who specialise in discrimination cases, told The Times..
"It is essential that this does not cross the line into racial discrimination — based on nationality — and employers should make it clear that any discriminatory behaviour will result in disciplinary action."
The atmosphere between England and Wales fans in Qatar has generally been a very positive one, with supporters seen mingling in fan parks and no arrests reported.
That is in contrast to some scenes in Tenerife, where thousands fans have chosen to go to watch the World Cup.
Fighting has broken out between the two sets of fans at the Spanish resort, with shocking scenes viewed thousands of of times online.
