CHEEKY attempts to have celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of England’s 1966 World Cup win beamed live into Scottish cinemas have been snubbed.
Brazen London-based production company TBI tried to secure a distribution deal for their “World Cup ’66 Live” extravaganza north of the border.
Tens of thousands of England fans are expected to attend the event at Wembley stadium, which will also be simultaneously transmitted to cinemas.
However, Nathan Homan of TBI admitted the company had no takers in Scotland. He said: “It isn’t listed in any cinemas north of the border.
“What we hoped is that regardless of nationality, our re-telling of the story of ’66 and how this group of players came to lift the Jules Rimet Trophy, would be compelling enough to cross national boundaries.”
The 150-minute-long event remembering past glories is much needed after England’s dismal performance in this summer’s Euros.
Roy Hodgson’s team was sent packing from the tournament in France following a humiliating defeat to minnows Iceland.
The ’66 show will be hosted by BBC anchorman Jeremy Vine, and will feature match footage of England’s 4-2 win over West Germany.
Fans will also be treated to appearances from surviving members of the team including Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Geoff Hurst, as well as musical performances from bands from that era. Despite the snub from Scotland, the producers have managed to get it screened in Wales, Northern Ireland and even the Republic of Ireland.
Craig Brown, the last manager to take Scotland to a major tournament, said: “I don’t think it is the biggest surprise they couldn’t find a screen to take it.
“You have to know your audience and they wouldn’t have needed a referendum to know this show would have been pretty unpopular.
“Probably a better idea in Scotland would be to screen the game in 1967 when we beat England to become unofficial world champions.”
Still basking in the glory of Bobby Moore lifting the trophy after half a century, FA chairman Greg Dyke said he was delighted the event was going ahead.
He added: “It was a momentous day and a momentous sporting summer that I will never forget.
“It was not only a milestone in our football history, but it inspired generations of youngsters and remains an inspiration to players.
“I’m looking forward to a day of wonderful memories and to reliving some of the classic moments.”
Stars from the sixties music scene as well as modern names have been dragged in to mark the event.
The Troggs, the West End cast of ‘Sunny Afternoon’, R&B star Lemar, Squeeze and Sophie Ellis-Bextor have all been lined up to appear.
Tartan Army stalwart Hamish Husband said despite the constant gloating over the past 50 years, it was a shame it wasn’t being shown in Scotland.
He said: “I’m sick of our national team failing to deliver the goods and get to a tournament.
“Maybe the current squad should be sat down to remind them what a winning team looks likes.
“England are in our World Cup qualification group, what more motivation do you need to get to Russia?
“I’d say we should watch Scotland’s victory over the same team a year later, but they failed to qualify as well.”
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