CLUBS TOLD TO STAY AT HOME
loads of inquiries about bookings because of the football. It’s EvertonLiverpool at the same time as well so we’re a bit nervous what will happen – it’s going to be a bit chaotic in here.”
Dale Raynor, manager at The Showboat & Uncle Tom’s Sports Bar in the town, said: “We’ve always got a few Scottish people in – bit of both Celtic and Rangers – but it’s at lunchtime and they’re locals and well behaved.
“We haven’t heard anything from the police yet but we’ve got a door team on from 3pm and if we get a quite a few people we can call the team so we’re prepared.
“We ask at the door if they’re the same household and if they’re not, they’re turned away.” The Daily
Record understands police and publicans in Carlisle will hold a summit this morning to plan contingencies for any influx of fans.
A spokesman for the city’s House of Vodka bar said: “The police have put out messages and there have been rumours of big groups trying to make bookings. But no one in town is doing that, it’s suicide.
“There’s the Everton-Liverpool game, we’re in the middle of a pandemic and to allow groups of football supporters into your venue that are obviously coming down because they’re not able to watch it in their own area is absolutely idiotic.
“There’s no bar in Cumbria that’s going to risk their licence at this already volatile stage. I’m absolutely so dead set against it, it’s frightening.”
Fellow fans pleaded with anyone thinking of making the trip to abandon their plans and help stem the spread of coronavirus.
Robert Boyle posted on Facebook: “Madness if fans from either side do actually do this. The new guidelines stated you shouldn’t leave your health board.
“Come on, a joke is a joke but to be actually doing it is just stupidity.”
But Barry Bancroft posted on the Rangers On Tour Facebook page: “Yes there are a lot of places in Carlisle that are booked up with people from all over Scotland coming to watch the game.”
Mike Robb added: “A lot of folk from Dumfries, Annan and Gretna drink in Carlisle and the trains are usually full. So good chance it’ll be happening.”