A Welsh pub has banned English fans from watching the crunch World Cup fixture between Wales and England on Tuesday night.
UPDATE: Cardiff pub makes U-turn on decision to ban English fans from watching Wales v England
O’Neill's, located on the corner of St Mary Street and Wood Street in central Cardiff, has taken the decision due to the expected “extreme levels of passion and support” that will be displayed during the game, which represents the two countries’ first ever meeting at a football World Cup.
England are all but guaranteed to qualify for the knockout round, barring a heavy defeat and a win for either Iran and USA in the other Group B fixture being played simultaneously, while Wales must hope that game finishes in a draw and that they can pull off a shock victory against England.
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If the other game ends with a win for either side, Rob Page’s men would have to beat Gareth Southgate’s side by four clear goals. Despite the odds being stacked against Wales, Tuesday night’s match is still a huge fixture, which could prove to be Wales’ last at a World Cup for many years given that their last appearance came in 1958. O’Neill's, a popular pub near Cardiff railway station in the city centre, say they want to create a “safe atmosphere” for Wales fans, so are therefore banning English supporters from entering.
A spokesperson for the pub confirmed: "For the safety and comfort of all our team and guests, we have taken the decision to be a 'Home Fan Zone' tomorrow evening. 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. Many thanks for your understanding, and we look forwards to watching a great game. Cymru am Byth!”
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