John Bishop recently faced criticism for rescheduling his comedy show so that he could see ‘the lads’ play in the Euro 2024 final versus Spain.
England won a nail-biting semi-final against the Netherlands 2–1 last night, thanks to a fail-safe Harry Kane penalty and a 28-year-old Ollie Watkins goal in the 90th minute.
With the Lions leaping onto the pitch with newfound vigour, the nation was taken aback by Gareth Southgate’s squad’s performance, which qualified them for this Sunday’s final at 8pm.
Unfortunately for the 57-year-old comedian, he also had a Sunday night comedy show in Wolverhampton at 8 p.m. After learning of the match, John used social media to tell supporters that, given England’s recent success, there was “no chance” that it would occur.
John stated, “This is a message to all the people coming to Wolverhampton on Sunday,” as he filmed himself shortly after the outcome on Wednesday night. I will not be performing at eight o’clock.
‘The show is going to get moved to the afternoon. You’re all going to get an email in the morning telling you the time.
‘I know it won’t suit everyone so if anyone can’t make it we will get you a refund. But we’re definitely going to move the time to Sunday afternoon, because there’s no chance I’m going to do it at 8 o’clock because I’m going to be busy watching these boys.’
Some fans were horrified at the comedian’s decision, while others thought it was absolutely fair enough – as the last time England men’s team won the Euros was, well, never.
‘That is such unprofessional behaviour to be honest. So a football match makes you inconvenience people who like you but maybe don’t like football,’ wrote @duaneomac87.
‘Total disrespect for your fans,’ said Stuart Franklin, while Yvonne McLure added: ‘How unprofessional! That’s ridiculous!’
‘Train gets in at 5. FANTASTIC! A Scotsman now with f**k all to do and a hotel for no reason,’ wrote a sarcastic @Carlos16rfc, while Michael Fogarty said it was ‘outrageously unprofessional’.
But others totally understood John’s move, as Scott Jenkin said: ‘A lot of people calling John ‘unprofessional’ for moving one show forward… I know it’s our second final in three years, but hear me out… it’s – pretty much – a once in a lifetime event. Give the lad the night off.’
Fan @manutdazza added, ‘Fantastic, well done John. Absolutely the right thing to do,’ while @CrabmanGM said: ‘Good call.’
‘Love it!’ added @taa_liz, who continued: ‘We all wanna be in the pub/living room come 8pm! Come on boys.’
The Lionesses won the Euros in 2022, while the Lions’ only major trophy in their history remains the 1966 World Cup triumph on home soil.
England reached the Euro 2020 final, but lost to Italy on penalties.