Proud England football fans have been blocked from welcoming their World Cup heroes back home at Birmingham Airport
The Three Lions are due to fly back from Russia this afternoon after reaching the semi-finals for the first time since 1990.
Gareth Southgate's team defied all expectations to make the last four and have restored some much-needed pride after the nightmare of Euro 2016.
They were beaten 2-0 by Belgium yesterday in the third-place play-off match that defeat has done little to dampen the spirit of a nation that was gripped with World Cup fever.
However, supporters will not be permitted to share that joy with the squad upon their arrival after it was confirmed there would be no viewing area.
Angry members of the public slammed Birmingham Airport for the move and branded them 'killjoys' for failing to judge the national mood.
But they were quick to inform disappointed fans that they were only acting under orders from the Football Association.
The statement from Birmingham Airport read: "Please be aware that there will be no public viewing area to see the England Football team arrive home so we strongly advise the public not to come to Birmingham Airport as you will not see the team. Thank you for your cooperation.
"We haven't made the decision to not arrange a homecoming. We're handling the flight as the FA asked & the area of the airport doesn't lend itself to a viewing area. We understand you want to welcome the team but you'll not be able to see them. We ask you not to come to the site."
The terms 'piss-up' and 'brewery' come to mind!
