Call for Villa European final screening in city

Birmingham City Council has been urged to screen the upcoming Europa League final that could see Aston Villa win their first European trophy in more than 40 years.

Villa secured their place in the final against German side Freiburg after beating Nottingham Forest 4-1 on aggregate.

Ahead of the match, which will be played in Istanbul, a councillor is calling for the game to shown on a big screen in Birmingham to create an inclusive and accessible celebration.

Councillor Alex Yip, the outgoing shadow cabinet member for communities, said in an open letter that screening it in the city centre would provide "a historic moment".

He said the benefits of Birmingham "proactively supporting and facilitating celebrations" would include a positive economic impact through increased footfall.

"May I urge the council to begin preparations for the final to be publicly screened in a suitable and accessible location," Yip said.

"This would represent a historic moment not only for the football club but for Birmingham itself."

The match will be Aston Villa's first European final since they won the European Cup in 1982 by beating Bayern Munich 1-0 in Rotterdam.

Thousands of supporters are expected to travel to Istanbul for the final, with huge demand for flights and accommodation in the city after the club secured their place.

Yip added holding an event would "bring together residents from every background in a safe environment" and reinforce Birmingham's reputation as a city "capable of hosting and managing major public events".

He added: "Villa's famous 1982 European Cup triumph remains one of the proudest moments in the city's sporting history and another European final would place Birmingham firmly back in the international spotlight.

"A public screening in the city would create an inclusive and family-friendly celebration accessible to supporters who may not be able to travel abroad for the final."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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