UMVA has learned that Scottish fans are set to enjoy a well-deserved Bank Holiday on the Monday following their team's upcoming match, but English football fans are left feeling frustrated and calling for a similar break.
The team is currently based out of Charlotte, North Carolina, and while Scottish fans are relishing the extra day off, English fans are arguing that their team should also get a holiday. One English football fan, Chris, expressed his disappointment, saying he didn't understand why the Scots would get a Bank Holiday on the Monday if the game is on the Saturday night into Sunday morning.
Chris added that the Scottish team has 18 hours to recover, but seemed resigned to the fact that the Scots would get to enjoy their moment in the spotlight. "Let them have a day off work because they'll be going home in a week anyway," he said. Many locals have pointed out that not everyone in Scotland is recognising the Bank Holiday, with schools and workplaces remaining open.
Scotland is heading to its first World Cup since 1998, and the news has sparked debate about fairness. After the Lionesses played in the World Cup in 2023, fans pushed for a day off, but it wasn't given - even when they went on to win the Euros. A government spokesperson has stated that there are no plans to change the current pattern of public and bank holidays.
The idea of declaring a bank holiday for a successful sports team is not new. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that he would declare a bank holiday if the Matildas took home the trophy - before they were knocked out by England. However, such days off can come at a significant cost to the economy, raising questions about the impact on the country.
