England band braced for more foul play after gear confiscated

The band has been a feature of England matches since 1996 and, having secured assurances from both the Football Association and UEFA, the musicians were expecting to be in their usual positions at the Group D opener with France in Donetsk.

After an initial problem, the 10 members did get to their seats, only for local security staff to step in and tell them their instruments broke ground regulations and were being confiscated for the duration of the game.

Although they were returned immediately after the final whistle and protests have been made, it is not known whether the rules will be relaxed for Friday’s encounter with Sweden in Kiev, or when they return to Donetsk next Tuesday for a potential qualification decider with co-hosts Ukraine.

Monday night’s events were even more galling because, sponsored by Pukka Pies, the band had driven to Donetsk from Sheffield, a journey of about 2,800 miles, which started last Wednesday.

“We did have assurances from the FA and UEFA, but as with all football grounds, the stadium controller is in overall charge and he decides what happens,” said band spokesman John Hemmingham, from Sheffield.

“We can only hope there is a different attitude in Kiev and the guy in Donetsk changes his mind.

“What happened last night was pretty disappointing to say the least when you considered what we had been through to get there.

“Getting from Hull last Wednesday to Donetsk is not the easiest, especially once you get into Ukraine because, away from the cities, the roads are hideous.”