Dreamland's Euros England vs Denmark screening will go ahead after chaotic scenes during Germany game
Published: 14:33, 05 July 2021
Updated: 16:28, 05 July 2021
Dreamland has confirmed it WILL be showing England's semi-final clash with Denmark - but fans will have to prove they've tested negative for Covid.
The event had been thrown into doubt after the theme park was forced to cancel a screening of Saturday's quarter-final victory over Ukraine in the wake of chaotic scenes when the Three Lions' beat Germany last Tuesday.
Bosses cited safety concerns after jubilant fans had flipped over tables, set off flares and stormed the stage when England beat their arch rivals in the second round.
But they have now confirmed the much-anticipated semi-final tie with Denmark will be shown on Wednesday night - along with the Euros final on Sunday should England make it.
But a raft of "stringent" measures have been introduced to help prevent a repeat of the chaos seen during the Germany match, including the need to provide a negative Covid test.
A statement released on Dreamland's Summer Social website reads: "On Saturday, July 3, we were forced to cancel our screening of England’s quarter-final tie against Ukraine but are pleased to announce we will be open for the semi-final versus Denmark this Wednesday and the final on Sunday.
"As the safety of all our customers is paramount, we are adapting our admissions policy for both games to ensure everyone can enjoy the game.
"In order to meet Covid operating standards and ensure that all guests are able to feel safe at the event we will be enforcing the following procedures and rules of entry."
In order to gain entry each customer must show proof of negative PCR or lateral flow test within 72 hours of the event.
Customers that were involved in disorder from the match on Tuesday and drunk customers upon arrival will be refused entry. Punters will be required to ‘check in’ under track and trace requirements.
The lead booker of each group must be over 18 and the sale of alcohol will be strictly limited to over 18s. "Thorough I.D. checks" will by carried out on entry adhering to the ‘Challenge 25’ scheme.
All customers will be "thoroughly searched", and prohibited items will be confiscated, including weapons, flares, confetti cannons or drugs.
Groups must stay at the table they were assigned to and the only exception to this is for using the toilet or exiting the park.
There is to be no standing on benches or tables and any damage or misuse will result in offenders being ejected.
One security guard was seen fighting back tears as she watched on helpless as fans ran riot in the wake of England's 2-0 win on Tuesday, while another was seen stepping in between two topless men as tensions boiled over.
The theme park announced the screening of England's quarter-finals clash with Ukraine was cancelled.
In an email to ticketholders, a spokesman said: "It is with huge disappointment that we are announcing the cancellation of the showing of England vs Ukraine at Dreamland Summer Social on Saturday.
"The England vs Germany game on Tuesday saw a number of individuals decide to ignore the rules and restrictions that we had put in place for the benefit of everyone's safety, and that is not something we could have happen again.
"The team has worked hard this week, including seeking advice from police and licensing, and were hoping that steps could be taken to ensure that a safe event could be run.
"However, we do not feel that we have had the time to conclude this work and cannot therefore have confidence that the attendees would behave as they were asked to.
"We will be working hard on getting everything in place in time for the semi-finals and will communicate our plans ahead of that."
Speaking on Friday, Michael Clapham, promoter of the Dreamland Summer Social, detailed some of the measures that will be in place at future Dreamland Euros screenings.
Fans after the whistle blew at full-time on Tuesday
Bag searches will be carried out, while "trouble causers" will be barred from entering, and all guests will be asked to provide ID so they can be easily identified should issues arise.
"We have identified some of the trouble causers," said Mr Clapham. "We will be refusing certain people entry.
"We've got them on camera, we've got pictures of them. They're welcome to get a refund - we just ask them to go and enjoy the game somewhere else.
"When you come in you will be searched quite thoroughly. Your bag will be searched. We don't want any flares or anything else getting in.
"And we are identifying each member of each table - you have to show us your ID.
"The lead booker of every table - the person who's booked - will be asked to show ID and any trouble, they'll be easily identified."
A number of places in Kent are showing European Championship games on big screens, to find out more click here.
Read more: All the latest news from Thanet
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Brad Harper