FOOTIE-lovers across Southampton will not be able to watch the Euros 2020 on big screens tomorrow.

Southampton City Council has confirmed this evening that the city has not secured the big screens in time for the England match tomorrow.

It comes after Cllr Jeremey Moulton announced on Facebook that Southampton City Council will be getting the screens for use in the city centre across Guildhall Square, maybe at Central Station, Westquay, the Bargate and at a cruise terminal.

He said the funding has been secured from the government's new Welcome Back Fund.

Daily Echo:

Cllr Moulton has originally said that they hope the screens will be in place in time to broadcast the Euros, however the screens will not be in place in time.

Councillor Jeremy Moulton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Growth at Southampton City Council said: “Planning for acquisition of the big screens started at the end of May – nine days into the new Administration taking office.

"On 18 June we secured monies from the Government’s Welcome Back Fund and will be using some of this to secure the big screens.

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"We had hoped to be able to fast track delivery of the new screens and to be able to have them up for the Euro final.

"The city’s Events Safety Advisory Group who review event management plans and advise the council, has worked hard to explore options but has determined that it is not possible to ensure a safe environment for such an event to take place given the time available.

Cllr Jeremey Moulton's post on Monday morning

"This is in line with other cities and towns on the south coast.

"I am very disappointed by this but at the end of the day have to be guided by the health professionals and public safety is paramount.

"The screens are coming though and will be a great way to showcase all the exciting things happening in the city. As well as the option of broadcasting some key sporting events (and this will certainly include next year’s women’s Euros), these screens will be great way to show off our city of culture activities. That’s the big prize. That and winning the football on Wednesday and then on Sunday.

"There are a number of venues showing the semi-finals and final, all of which still have tickets available, and I would encourage fans to visit these venues and support them in their recovery from the pandemic.”