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World Cup 2018: Birmingham Airport tell England fans not to welcome Gareth Southgate’s stars on return home

Birmingham Airport officials have told fans not to travel to catch a glimpse of the stars because there will be no public viewing area

ENGLAND fans are furious after being denied the chance to welcome their Three Lions heroes home from Russia.

Gareth Southgate's boys are due to arrive at Birmingham Airport tomorrow after today's third place play-off clash against Belgium.

 England fans have been told not to travel to welcome home the England side
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England fans have been told not to travel to welcome home the England sideCredit: AP:Associated Press

But airport chiefs have told supporters to stay away because no viewing area will be set up to accommodate them.

A statement on the airport's official Twitter page 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."

Southgate is not in favour of an open-top bus tour to celebrate his side's achievement in reaching the semi-finals.

An FA spokesman said: "There is no planned celebration at this point.

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 Gareth Southgate's Three Lions side want a low-profile arrival back home
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Gareth Southgate's Three Lions side want a low-profile arrival back homeCredit: AP:Associated Press
 Birmingham Airport told fans not to travel to the airport because there will be no 'public viewing area'
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Birmingham Airport told fans not to travel to the airport because there will be no 'public viewing area'Credit: Twitter
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"We are not actively promoting the date, the time or even the airport they will return to."

That means greeting Harry Kane and Co at the airport is the best chance many fans will have to see their team.

And some lashed out after being told they were not welcome.

One wrote: "You really are taking the p*** @bhx_official and @BHX_Police.

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 Gareth Southgate wants a low-key arrival for his side
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Gareth Southgate wants a low-key arrival for his sideCredit: AFP

"You cannot stop people supporting and congratulating our national team @England #killjoys #YouShouldHaveThoughtAboutTheSupporters."

A fellow user posted: "After how well the team have done, and you can't be bothered to set up somewhere where the fans can say thanks."

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Another said: "You'd think after how well they have done you'd at least try and make this possible."

One posted: "Thanks Birmingham, good to see you catching the mood of the nation and providing wonderful customer service as usual."

To which the airport replied: "We understand you want to support the team but it's not the airport's decision whether or not to hold a homecoming event for them."

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