Beautiful South singer Paul Heaton has confirmed the England vs France game will be show at their gig on Saturday night. Manchester music lovers and football fans were given the difficult decision to pick between the two when it was confirmed the quarter final match between the two nations would be shown on the same night as the Beautiful South gig at the arena.
Earlier this week, Heaton took to Twitter to explain the dilemma but confirmed that the band - which includes bandmate Jacqui Abbott - was working on plans to show the match at the venue. While the match would most likely be wrapped up by 9pm when the act comes on, football fans were concerned about the clash with doors opening half an hour after kick off and the support act Billy Bragg's stage times.
Confirming in a statement posted online this afternoon, Heaton said that they have decided to show the match on the screens after working with the arena - though if it goes to extra time that will not be shown. However, Heaton reassured fans that he and Abbott will keep fans updated.
Read more: Paul Heaton told 'do the right thing' after England World Cup match clashes with AO Arena gig
In a post to Facebook and Twitter, the singer wrote: "Following some lengthy thought and discussion, we have decided that we will now be showing the England v France match on the screens at the AO Arena Manchester on Saturday evening. The venue have kindly agreed to open doors from 5pm so that you can all get in on time to see the fantastic Billy Bragg who has also shown great sportsmanship by agreeing to take to the stage at the earlier time of 6:15pm.
"This means the match can then be shown on the screens from 7pm. We are mindful that there will be people that won’t be keen on watching the match (we did, unsuccessfully, look at alternative entertainment within the arena itself) and also worried about transport home, but we assure you that Paul & Jacqui will still take to the stage by 9pm, meaning the show will finish around 10:40/45pm.
"This does mean we won’t be showing any extra time if that occurs, but if it does Paul and Jacqui will be very keen to keep you updated from the stage. With the right result this could be a great night!
"Times for the evening are as follows: 5pm Doors open, 6:15pm Billy Bragg, 7pm England v France game on."
Most in the comments agreed with the move, with one person commenting: "Very considerate from all involved." Another added: "Made my day this, great decision. Get to see all artists and the match in a great atmosphere (hopefully)."
A third added: "Although I'm not interested in the football this seems like a very good compromise well done to all for sorting it", while another said, "In all sincerity, this will have taken some organising. A huge "well done. Oh, It's Coming Home, by the way. X"
The praise kept coming, even from across the pond. "An American fan here, and I find this truly Amazing. I can't begin to imagine the negotiations, coordination, and spirit that went into this. Well done."
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