'Just go to bed at 8': Leeds locals have their say on an extra World Cup bank holiday
England will face Mexico on Monday - and kick-off is at 1am
Calls are mounting for the Government to grant an extra bank holiday on Monday - as many England fans prepare for a gruelling 1am kick off.
There was a rollercoaster of emotions for England fans in Leeds last night as Thomas Tuchel’s men survived an almighty scare against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
England will take on tournament co-hosts Mexico at the Mexico City Stadium, one of world football’s most famous venues, early on Monday.
And a survey of 1,100 managers by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) found that only one in five employers plan to offer flexible working hours, such as adjusted start or finish times, to help staff watch World Cup matches.
An additional bank holiday will need approval of the Government and a proclamation from the King - and this looks unlikely, although a bank holiday may be considered if England win the tournament.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said that while they were “backing the England team all the way … the current pattern of bank and public holidays is well established”.
We asked Yorkshire Evening Post readers if they think an extra bank holiday should be granted - and there was a mixed response.
Lisa Griffiths, Neil Simm and Chris Martin were among the Leeds locals giving a resounding ‘yes’, while Beverly Cook said: “Why not - any excuse is better than none.”
Michael Pacey said: “Yes, make it a bank holiday but I still won't be watching the match, not at that time.”
Scott Wood added: “I’d say no, but then only feels fair that Scotland got one.”
But the vast majority of our readers felt that fans should just have to grin and bear the late kick off.
Richard Merrills said: “Just go to bed at 8, set an alarm for 12.30, watch the match, go back to bed and up at 7. No need to drink beer this time. Maybe I'm just getting old, boring and sensible.”
Grant Milner added: “It’s only the last 16, if we achieve something and win then yes. As much as we love the World Cup, no one has a right to time off for it.”
Marc Blackburn said: “No, like football fans do up and down the country most weeks make alternative arrangements if you want to watch the game.”
Alexandra Casey added: “I work in care, we have to suck it up and swap shifts maybe - but world don't stop for footie.”