Fan Park supporters praised as England's World Cup dream ends

More than 13,500 people at the Hyundai World Cup Fan Park at Castlefield watched as England went out of the World Cup in a dramatic showdown with Germany in South Africa.

Councillor Mike Amesbury, Manchester City Council's executive member for culture and leisure, praised the behaviour of the fans, adding that the vast majority of people had acted impeccably throughout the tournament.

He said: "Along with 13,500 other people watching in Castlefield, I was devastated as our World Cup dream ended. But the experience at the Hyundai Fan Park has been amazing. Despite our team losing, the atmosphere in Castlefield was great and I'd like to praise those football supporters for - once again - demonstrating what it means to be true fans and doing the city proud.

"There was one minor incident which was dealt with very quickly by security and police. But that shouldn't mar the fact that this was, with that exception, a trouble-free event where thousands of people enjoyed themselves greatly.

"Our place in the tournament may be over, but the competition goes on, and the past couple of weeks have shown that the best place to see the World Cup in Manchester is at the Fan Park. The atmosphere has also been fantastic at non-England matches so I'd urge people to come back for the rest of the tournament and enjoy the football.

"It's just a shame the Three Lions will no longer be a part of it."

All matches are being shown at three giant screens in Castlefield and special events are being planned in the Fan Park for days when there are no matches being played.

Further details will also be announced later this week.