World Cup 2018: Middlesbrough scraps screening of England vs Croatia due to ‘abuse and threats of violence’ to staff

The decision was taken after a public showing of England's win over Sweden in Middlesbrough's Centre Square was marred by disorder

Middlesbrough Council have cancelled a planned screening of England’s World Cup semi-final against Croatia on Wednesday after staff were subjected to “abuse and threats of violence”.

A public screening of England’s quarter-final victory over Sweden in Middlesbrough’s Centre Square on Saturday was marred by people trying to smuggle alcohol into the site, attempting to force their way through the fence after being turned away and abusing staff.

The event was well attended, with the enclosure’s maximum capacity of 3,000 reached well before kick-off, though a number of flares were smuggled in, lit and thrown into the main crowd. Only one individual was confirmed injured but the council said that the actions of a minority of fans had “put the safety of families and children in danger”.

Middlesbrough Council took the decision to cancel the screening after discussions with Cleveland Police, who described Saturday as one of their “busiest ever nights”.

Mick Thompson, Middlesbrough Council’s executive member for culture and communities, said: “The behaviour experienced on Saturday - and in particular the abuse and intimidation aimed at hard-working staff - was completely unacceptable and something we will not tolerate.

"I can only apologise to law-abiding fans, and I would urge those involved in Saturday's disorder to think long and hard about their behaviour."

Middlesbrough Council’s decision comes shortly after it was announced that music festival British Summer Time will make as many as 30,000 tickets available through a ballot system for people to watch England’s World Cup semi-final against Croatia on a giant screen in London’s Hyde Park.

“World Cup fever has gripped London and the rest of the nation and we have all been swept away by the fantastic exploits of Gareth Southgate’s team,” London Mayor Sadiq Khan said.

“Wednesday evening is a huge opportunity for our boys to do what many of us thought was impossible before the World Cup began and reach the Final.

“I am sure Londoners of all ages and backgrounds will come together in their thousands at Hyde Park to cheer England on what could be an historic night. We want this to be a family-friendly occasion and a chance for England fans young and old to show the positive spirit of football to the country and the world.

“This team has a chance to write themselves into football folklore and London and the entire country will be cheering them on as loud as we can on Wednesday night.”

Fans without tickets have been warned that they will not be admitted to Hyde Park on Wednesday.