Some people in Wales have reacted with anger to the news there will be no Cardiff fan zone for football fans to cheer on the national team this weekend as they look to secure a first World Cup appearance in 64 years.
Wales will play either Scotland or Ukraine at 5pm this Sunday at Cardiff City Stadium in a play-off to decide who heads to the World Cup in Qatar later this year. Because the fixture coincides with the Queen's Jubilee bank holiday weekend and a number of events — both Jubilee and non-Jubilee related — taking place in the Welsh capital, supporters will not get the fan zone they have been accustomed to since Euro 2016.
The announcement did not get a positive reception from all of WalesOnline's Facebook followers. Andrew commented: "Whose queen is she? The government run the country not the monarchy! Outdated. Wales however have a very important football match on Sunday. Cutting fan zones will only increase the rise in people frequenting the city centre instead of big screens. This is a World Cup qualifier, I personally think it’s out of order. The game should have been moved a week forward. Who does the thinking I really do not understand!"
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Owen added: "Wales' chance of qualifying for a world cup is far more important than an English monarch's party." And there was a similar sentiment from Ian, who wrote: "Pathetic, biggest game in Welsh football and the English monarchy are damaging the enjoyment for Welsh fans."
Dei wrote: "Wales’ biggest game in 70 odd years, what a total disgrace by whoever has made this decision, a fan zone should have been the first thing on the list. Who cares about the Jubilee celebrations? I certainly don’t."
Not everyone was as critical. Rob commented: "In fairness the Jubilee and big concerts were planned for this weekend. Well before we all knew the Wales vs probably Scotland game was on Sunday."
And Nathan placed the blame on central Government cuts. "It's predominantly down to the match and Gerry Cinnamon playing in Cardiff at the same time so the police cannot provide the policing it requires, which is probably down to Westminster cutting the forces," he wrote.
The Platinum Jubilee Concert is being staged at Cardiff Castle on Saturday while rock band Gerry Cinnamon are playing a gig at the same venue on Sunday. A Cardiff council spokesperson said: “Following discussions with city stakeholders including the police, the FAW and the City Stadium it was decided that as the city was already committed to facilitating several other events across the Jubilee weekend, including street parties, picnic in the park and concerts at the castle, unfortunately we were unable to open a fan zone this time around.
"We know, however, that many city businesses, following the enormous financial difficulties they faced throughout the pandemic will be looking forward to welcoming fans to watch the match and to enjoy the unique atmosphere that Cardiff’s bars and restaurants can offer on what promises to be an incredible day. We also want to take this opportunity to send the Wales team our full support as they look to qualify for the 2022 World Cup on Sunday.”
Supporter information on the Football Association of Wales' website says: "Fans are advised not to travel to the Cardiff City Stadium without a ticket and there will be no fan activity outside the stadium. There is no public screening or fan zone showing the match within the city centre and fans without tickets are advised watch at home or in the pubs."
Extra security perimeters will be introduced outside the stadium. Fans are advised to ensure they arrive early at the stadium as it may take longer than usual gaining access to the venue, while supporters are also being encouraged to be in their seats by 4.15pm ahead of the 5pm kickoff. The Red Wall will then come together for an unaccompanied rendition of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau to set Rob Page's men up for the match.
