FOOTBALL fans with a ticket for Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott are in for a treat as the band announced they will show the England game before their Manchester Arena gig.
Following "lengthy thought and discussion", Paul and Jacqui will show England's World Cup quarter-final with France on the big screens at Manchester Arena this Saturday (December 10).
To accommodate the football, doors will open at 5pm at the Arena with Billy Bragg playing an earlier 45 minute set at 6.15pm.
England and France will be shown immediately afterward on the Arena screens, with Paul and Jacqui planned to take to the stage at the same time of 9pm.
The venue will not show any extra time or penalties if the knock-out game ends as a draw, in order to keep to the gig's original schedule.
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This could be a great night!
Paul Heaton announced the plans on Twitter following concerns of the World Cup crunch match clashing with the band's Saturday night Manchester gig.
The former Beautiful South singer said he is mindful that some people won't be keen on the football, with the band are looking at putting on alternative entertainment in the concourse.
"With the right result, this could be a great night!", the singer said.
Following some lengthy thought and discussion, we have decided that we will now be showing the England v France match on the screens at the @AOArena Manchester on Saturday evening. For full information please read the attached statement... pic.twitter.com/rg6T00hCF5
— Paul Heaton (@PaulHeatonSolo) December 7, 2022
After Paul and Jacqui's latest album 'N.K. Pop' went to Number One in October, they began their highly-anticipated arena tour with singer-songwriter Billy Bragg last month.
However, following medical advice, Jacqui has had to pull out of five dates of the tour, including Bridlington, Glasgow, Stockton, Portsmouth and Nottingham.
It is hoped the Sutton signer will return to the stage before the end of the tour, with Paul announcing she has been resting to give herself "the best chance of recovery".
Fans are entitled for refunds if they would prefer to see Jacqui perform.
Earlier in the year, Jacqui and Paul were been commended for capping their tour tickets at £30 during the cost of living crisis.
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