Football fans ‘spend £270m’ on England vs. Wales match
And other stories from the stranger side of life

Around four million football fans will “pile into pubs, bars and restaurants” to down 12m pints during today’s England vs. Wales match, said the Daily Star. Despite the cost-of-living crisis, up to £270m is predicted to be spent. Up to £43m will be splashed in pubs and restaurants, another 12.9m fans will watch from home, forking out £141m on booze and food, and fans will spend £50m upgrading TVs and other electrics ahead of the game, while £27m has been spent on sportswear and £7.6m on other items including souvenirs.
Mexican boxer threatens Messi
A boxer in Mexico has sent a warning to Lionel Messi, accusing the football star of disrespecting Mexico. “Did you see Messi cleaning the floor with our shirt and flag????” tweeted Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez, in reference to footage in which Messi appears to kick a Mexico shirt that is on the floor during Argentina’s celebrations in the changing room. “He better pray to God that I don’t find him!! Just like I respect Argentina, he has to respect Mexico!”
Thousands join huge salsa circle
Some 2,040 dancers gathered at the National Sports Institute in Venezuela to attempt a Guinness World Record for the largest salsa casino circle dance. Dance students ranging in age from seven to 65, salsa danced in a casino circle, a popular partner-trading formation for the dance, for 11 minutes. The event is being submitted to Guinness World Records for official recognition. Organisers hope it will replace the current record of 1,291 dancers, which was set in Spain in May 2019, noted UPI.
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