Bid to have Euro 2021 matches hosted at Stadium of Light

Euro championship games due to be played at Wembley next year should be staged around Britain, with matches played at the Stadium of Light according to Wearside Lib Dems.

The delayed Euro 2020 tournament is now scheduled to take place in 2021, with three England games, a last 16 match, both semi-finals and the final due to be hosted at Wembley.

Now Lib Dem city councillors in Sunderland have launched a campaign to bring games to the Stadium of Light.

Councillor Stephen O'Brien has written to UEFA, the FA and the Government's Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Oliver Dowden urging them to bring games to Sunderland to help the city's economy in the wake of coronavirus.

The campaign has the backing of acting Lib Dem party leader Ed Davey MP who is also asking for games to be held around the country and not just Wembley.

SAFC fan and Lib Dem councillor for Grindon and Thorney Close Stephen O'Brien explained the decision behind the campaign, saying:

"Rescheduling the Euro 2020 fixtures for next summer is a fantastic opportunity to spread opportunity across the country and boost our local economy here in Sunderland by safely and responsibly hosting matches at the Stadium of Light, rather than having everything being held in London.

"We have a fantastic Stadium in Sunderland. It would be a missed opportunity if UEFA didn't decide to host matches on Wearside.

"I hope that this campaign will receive support from residents, the club itself and politicians from all parties in the city. The economic benefits would be enormous and it would be great to have the eyes of the country and the world on Sunderland."