Should we raucously celebrate a football win in a pandemic?

Images of England fans celebrating the Euro 2020 win over have been all over the media this week - scenes of celebration and gatherings in large numbers we have not really seen the like of since before the pandemic.

But while many people have been enjoying the combination of victory over an old rival and a feeling of things getting a bit back to normal, there have been nagging doubts for others.

Are people letting their hair down a bit too much given coronavirus case numbers have been rising again? And if sporting crowds can gather in large numbers, why are other events apparently still subject to greater restrictions?

Since the lifting of coronavirus restrictions in England was pushed back earlier this month from 21 June to 19 July, there has been a groundswell of criticism of the delay from people who believe not everyone is being treated equally.

While the previous limit of 30 guests for weddings was removed, ceremonies and receptions are still subject to caps on attendances according to risk assessments carried out by the venues, who are obliged to give people the chance to socially distance if they want to, meaning many can accommodate much lower numbers than in normal times. And dance floors, singing, and drinking while standing up are ruled out - which has not been lost on some people who have watched football fans singing, dancing and drinking while standing up.

Emma Freeman, 38, from Northamptonshire, was originally due to marry her fiance Paul Chisholm last July. They have postponed it twice more since then and now hope to hold their wedding at the fourth time of asking in November.

She said on Tuesday evening when England beat she was out for dinner with her father as it was the day before her birthday and they could hear football fans singing in a neighbouring pub and then saw them dancing in the street outside - while knowing that were she to be getting married now neither singing nor dancing would be allowed.

"I'm really excited for the football and I love that people have got something to get behind. But it's so inconsistent," she says.

"You go to Wembley and you know the person you have gone with. The chances are the other thousands of people you come into with are strangers. You are taking a gamble. When a goal is scored you might hug a stranger.

"I know every single one of my wedding guests. I know who's been vaccinated because it's something we talk about. I know everyone's addresses so everyone could be traced. People have said they would be willing to take a lateral flow test. Some who don't work have said they can isolate before the wedding.

"So why are there more restrictions for weddings? Why is it different for us?

"We are making sure people at our wedding are safe, there are strict protocols, and it feels cruel when you see what's going on elsewhere.

"Is Covid a magnet for weddings":[]}