English footie followers fall for American World Cup ‘razzle dazzle’ as they name for adjustments
A massive two thirds of Three Lions supporters said they are up for ‘Americanising’ matches with half-time shows, tail-gating and cheerleaders
England fans at the American Dream Fanzone in New Jersey(Image: Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)
English footie fans have fallen in love with the US “razzle dazzle” at the World Cup. A massive two-thirds of Three Lions supporters said they are up for ‘Americanising’ matches with half-time shows, tail-gating and cheerleaders in the future.
It comes after the Three Lions have played three games across the pond in the first round of the World Cup. The move would be in a similar vein to the NFL’s Super Bowl Sunday, where famous music artists perform.
A half-time show is already planned for the World Cup final, but a new poll found 67% of England fans would be happy for other Super Bowl elements to be added too.
Four in 10 fans admitted they are eager for some half-time entertainment, while live referee commentary – something that was experimented with in the Premier League last season – was the second most accepted change.
Meanwhile, 13% of punters would be happy to swap out winners’ medals for winners’ rings, whilst 10% respect the Americans’ appreciation for some pre-game entertainment in the parking area and would be keen to bring tailgating to the footballing world.
England’s No1 fan Gordon Mousinho, 71, who is attending his 13th World Cup, said: “I have no problem with a half-time show as long as half-time remains at 15 minutes. But I hate the countdown to kick-off. I think the Yanks ought to adopt more of our rules, such as no alcohol in view of the pitch and no hydration breaks.”
Rachel Cooke, 34, an IT worker from south London, said she would like a “bit more razzle dazzle” at matches. She said: “Maybe we could learn a bit from America. If they are going to charge such high prices for tickets, they should offer fans more. I’d have no problem with a show at half-time or a few cheerleaders – male of course.”
But not all were keen. Builder Jason Lee, 30, from Birmingham, added: “I wouldn’t mind a few cheerleaders. But half-time shows are rubbish.”
And van driver Michael Ward, 55, of Carlisle, said: “If it doesn’t work at Carlisle away on a wet Wednesday, they should forget it everywhere. It is just adding costs that clubs will put on ticket prices.”
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes, who commissioned the research, said: “The World Cup is all about bringing cultures together, so it’s no surprise fans are open to borrowing elements from across the Atlantic.
“Whether it’s swapping medals for rings or adding a half-time show, who knows — ‘Super World Cup Sunday’ might not be far off.”
