Police have issued a warning of disruption in Reading ahead of tomorrow night’s final group game for England as they expect hundreds of football fans to watch the game on big screens in the town centre’s pubs and clubs.
The force said that they will have an increased presence in the town to ensure spectators stay safe and enjoy the match, which sees England take on fellow group leaders Belgium in their final group game of this year’s World Cup. The action is being beamed live from Russia and both teams have already qualified for the Round of 16, so the game will determine if England will top the group or come second.
Friar Street, home to several pubs and clubs such as Yates, The Monks Retreat and the Walkabout, will be closed to traffic for the duration of the match, causing bus services – including the Lions and Leopard services – to be re-rerouted.
Members of the public who are not watching the game are being urged to avoid the area if possible – The Wokingham Paper encourages Wokingham borough supporters to use their local pub instead.
It will also remain closed for an hour after the end of the game as police expect a large number of people to congregate in the streets afterwards.
The big screen on the premises of The Biscuit Tin café and bar in Station Hill (by Reading Station), will now only be visible to people who have tickets to enter the bar.
Chief Inspector Emma Burroughs, Deputy LPA Commander, of Reading station, said: “We want to ensure that everyone who travels to Reading to watch the football can enjoy the match and stay safe.
“We will be working closely with the licensed premises in the town centre to ensure that everyone enjoys the evening.”
