“OVER-enthusiastic” footie fans seen destroying a bus stop by jumping off it into crowds may have lost them the chance to watch the World Cup final at Castle Park.
Fans packed out the pubs to watch England’s 2-0 victory against Sweden, securing them a place in the World Cup semi-final.
Pub-goers raised the roof at Walkabout in Head Street and The Centurion in North Hill in Colchester on Saturday.
England scored their first goal about 30 minutes in, with the second goal coming in around the hour mark.
Dan Davis, general manager at The Centurion, said: “We were at full capacity so we had 300 people in from about 2pm.
“This has been the best atmosphere so far. It was a great game, and we didn’t have any trouble at all from the fans.”
Colchester Council had been considering screening games in Castle Park, but after rowdy celebrations in Head Street saw fans jumping off bus stops, it is unlikely to happen.
Mike Lilley, councillor responsible for public safety, said: “People could have seriously hurt themselves. It’s disappointing everyone has ignored our pleas to have a good celebration but be safe.”
The council was waiting to see how people reacted to the quarter-final before making a decision about Castle Park. Mr Lilley said: “We will be discussing it this week, we were waiting to see whether people would behave themselves.”
Head Street and the High Street had been closed, with a police presence along the route.
Chief Inspector Shaun Kane, Colchester District Commander, said: “There has been some minor anticipated disruption due to pockets of over-enthusiastic people causing temporary breaches of the peace and I would appeal to those drinking and enjoying the football to be conscious of not over stepping the mark.”
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