England legend Gary Lineker urged fans not to boo the Italian national anthem at Wembley ahead of the UEFA EURO 2020 Final, as this behaviour is ‘utterly classless.’
The Final kicks off on Sunday at 20.00 UK time and sees the Azzurri face off against the Three Lions for the trophy.
There is a huge Italian population in England and specifically around London, but they will inevitably be outnumbered in what is a home game for Gareth Southgate’s team.
Following news UEFA are taking disciplinary action against England fans for the ‘disruption’ of the Danish anthem and pointing laser pens at goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel during the penalty, BBC presenter and former striker Lineker launched an appeal.
“If you’re lucky enough to get a ticket for the final, please, please don’t boo the Italian anthem,” he wrote on Twitter.
“A/ It’s an absolute belter and worth listening to. B/ It’s bloody rude, disrespectful and utterly classless.”
The English media and some of their fans on social media have been very impressed by the way Italy ‘belt out’ their anthem during this tournament, admiring the passion put into the performance as well as the driving tempo of the music.
If you’re lucky enough to get a ticket for the final, please, please don’t boo the Italian anthem. A/ It’s an absolute belter and worth listening to. B/ It’s bloody rude, disrespectful and utterly classless.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 8, 2021