Two airlines and two very differing approaches, it would seem. Scotland fans on British Airways’ flight from Heathrow to Miami last Monday, a packed A380 with close to 500 passengers, were quick to get stuck into the onboard hospitality.
Indeed, two hours before landing it was announced, to Tartan cheers, that the plane had been drunk dry and that there was not a drop of alcohol left onboard. Forty-eight hours later a Virgin Atlantic flight from Manchester to New York took off, with scores of England supporters onboard.
Before a drink had been served, an announcement was made on the public address system informing passengers that no alcohol would be served outside of the trolley service. ‘A bit rum,’ was how one passenger described it, with no pun intended. ‘It felt like we were back in the 1980s with people assuming that because you like football you’re a hooligan.’
When asked for a response by Inside Sport, Virgin Atlantic initially denied that they had placed any restrictions on serving booze to fans.
When pressed further, they subsequently claimed that crew had not been given ‘specific instructions to make announcements on flights carrying football fans’ but added that when flights were ‘particularly busy’ staff ‘may announce that alcoholic drinks will only be served during cart services to ensure they can deliver the best experience possible for everyone’.
Livramento mementos go down well with fans
It may have caused heartbreak for the player himself, but Tino Livramento’s World Cup exit was at least good news for some of the youngsters who have gathered outside England’s team hotel in Kansas City. The Newcastle United full-back was devastated to suffer a calf injury during training which put him out for the entire tournament.
On a daily basis youngsters, and sometimes adults, have gathered on the grass opposite the Inn at Meadowbrook Park, in an attempt to get a glimpse and potentially an autograph from some of the Three Lions’ stars. And one group was left delighted when FA officials came out to greet them – and promptly handed over two of the match-ready jerseys Livramento would have been wearing had injury not struck.
The Livramento mementos were gratefully received. Meanwhile, Reece James ventured out in Ugg boots to sign autographs, while Thomas Tuchel has also made some time for the locals.
Tino Livramento’s early departure meant fans were given two of his match shirts
England stars find new way to bag three points
Some of England’s players are shunning the World Cup late kick-off for in-house sunset basketball. The sound of the likes of Eberechi Eze, Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka trading shots – and the hollers when a three-pointer is landed or fluffed – can be heard by those out for their evening stroll in the surrounding park.
Basketball fan Marcus Rashford attends an NBA game in Madison Square Garden in 2024
A welcome reception for the BBC
The BBC’s decision not to base a studio in the US or send television pundits until the latter stages has sparked debate. Bosses have used cost-cutting to defend the move, which appears to have spread to those in the US working for radio.
In Boston, hotel residents were surprised to find a large group broadcasting for Radio 5 Live direct from the reception area. ‘It’s come to something when they can’t even get a meeting room,’ joked one.
Three goalkeepers at the FIFA hotels
An interesting development inside some of the hotels being used to house FIFA’s top brass. Guests have spotted FIFA World Cup-branded table football games which feature quirky-looking line-ups.
Each side has no fewer than three goalkeepers and 12 players in total. The tables have led some to jokingly wonder if this is a glimpse of the latest change to the game from the brains trust that brought us hydration breaks.
