With their tongue firmly in their cheeks, the team behind the World Cup fan zone in Times Square has announced nine 'rules' for any visiting American fans to follow at this evening's screening of the big game.
With anticipation building as England prepares to take on the USA, the city centre Central Park has shared some points for rival fans to note ahead of the 7pm kick-off. The fan zone, which saw s cenes of jubilation during England's 6-2 win against Iran in its World Cup opener, is gearing up for another sell-out night.
And on its Facebook page it appeared keen to stoke some friendly rivalry with a light-hearted list of regulations and 'warnings' for any fans of the US team who might join the party. They include a ban on the word 'soccer'; a joke that a 50% tip is customary behaviour in England and guidelines on the muted way to celebrate in the event of a USA goal.
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Central Park's post says Americans "are obviously welcome" for the match screening this Friday then adds the following nine points:
Central Park's World Cup 'rules for Americans'
1. If any of you start chanting the 'I believe that we will win' chant, you will be swiftly escorted out of the building
2. The word soccer is disgusting and we will not tolerate it
3. A pint landing within your vicinity is not an act of aggression
4. England does not include, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland
5. Our soft drinks are not unlimited refills and we will not add ice cream to your coke
6. If someone bumps into you and it's entirely their fault, please apologise profusely. You do this by saying "Sorry mate"
7. Tipping is customary in England. It's a 50% Tip. Promise.
8. If America score, celebrate like the English do which is a gentle nod and a light two-fingered clap of the hands whilst whispering "good form, old boy"
9. You are expected to join in with both of our national anthems.
Central Park then provides the lyrics to be sung which include references to Harry Maguire and Gareth Southgate and the line 'football's coming home again'. Its Facebook post then ends: "We in turn will respect your American customs by drinking Bud Light, eating pizza, burgers and hot dogs as well as singing your national anthem, which I believe is “Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus if you score."
It seemed plenty followers saw the funny side with comments on the post including "love it", "howling" and "creased man". One said: "this is why no one likes us" alongside laughing emojis.
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