Large gatherings of England football fans in Boston ahead of the team's second World Cup match have been met with criticism from some local residents, who describe their behavior as disruptive and lacking class. This contrasts sharply with the enthusiastic welcome given to Scotland fans during their earlier matches.
Thousands of England supporters descended on the downtown area, with reports of rowdy behavior at establishments like The White Bull Tavern, where staff closed early due to fans standing on furniture and disrupting the atmosphere. Members of the UK's football policing unit were observed coordinating with local Boston Police Department officers.
Online reactions from Boston residents expressed disappointment. One user on X wrote, "Please do what you did in 1776 and evacuate xx," referencing the American Revolution. Another commented on a video of anti-Scotland chants, stating, "Bad energy out of these absolute numpties. I think Scotland is akin to Boston and England is akin to New York. The arrogance. The looking down on. Zero class. Negative energy. While Scots are the opposite."
Another resident observed, "I went to Boston for Scotland v Haiti and it was fantastic. God love the England supporters, but this ain't the way to win the hearts and minds."
Despite the criticism, many England fans expressed optimism for their team's chances and emphasized the unique experience of following their nation in the World Cup. Some fans highlighted the cost of travel and accommodation, with train fares significantly increased and parking near the stadium proving expensive. Nevertheless, supporters like Adam Parkinson, 32, from Barnsley, and Rhys Thomas, 31, who lives in the US, deemed the trip worthwhile for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Earlier in the tournament, Scottish fans were largely praised for their conduct. Videos shared on social media platforms like TikTok showed locals interacting positively with kilt-wearing Scots, with some women organizing informal dating events and praising their "kindness." The influx of Scottish supporters also provided a significant boost to Boston's hospitality sector, with some venues reporting their best trading weeks in years.
Venues like The Greatest Bar and The Dubliner saw a substantial increase in sales, with bars replenishing supplies daily and installing extra refrigeration to cope with the demand for beer. Meet Boston reported that The Dubliner and The Haven alone served over 300 kegs of Tennent's beer.
Back in the UK, a partnership with eBay has seen a surge in searches for retro England shirts, particularly the iconic Italia '90 shirt worn by Paul Gascoigne and the 1966 World Cup winning top, as fans look to commemorate the tournament.