An Italian restaurant in Sleaford was vandalised by England fans following their defeat in the final of Euro 2020.
Tiamo in Sleaford’s Market Place was the subject of an attack from England fans last night, who clearly did not take well to their defeat against Italy in Sunday’s Euro 2020 final.
England were beaten on penalties by the Italians after a 1-1 draw at Wembley in the Three Lions’ first major final since that infamous night in 1966.
The gazebo style awning that shelters outdoor customers has been damaged. | Photo: Tiamo Italian
Emotions reached boiling point in some areas, and “supporters” took to destroying property in a twisted act of false revenge.
The outdoor area had recently been revamped in line with the government’s restrictions being lifted, and Tiamo created a sheltered outdoor zone for customers to use.
Now it has been destroyed, with decorative shrubs crushed, wooden panels snapped and chairs destroyed.
How could anyone react this badly to a defeat? | Photo: Tiamo Italian
In a statement posted to social media, the owner of Tiamo said: “Thank you to the England fans of Sleaford. You’ve done yourselves proud!
“And the ironic thing… I may own an Italian restaurant, but I’m English too and I watched the same game as you, with the same willingness for us to win as you had and the same gutted feeling when we didn’t.
“The big difference between us is that I recognise the efforts and the hard work that the England team and other people put into getting to where they are today!
“Unfortunately, I don’t have the money of the England team to rebuild your efforts of destroying us last night!”
Chairs ruined, I wonder if whoever did it feels better about themselves now. | Photo: Tiamo Italian
A fundraiser has been set up to help repair the damage, with £160 already being raised.
However, the Tiamo owner has urged people not to donate any more money to the cause, saying they can now cover the damage, but would also prefer it to be paid by the people who did it.
“We are extremely overwhelmed by all the messages and calls of support and well wishes. Please don’t donate anymore money as the only person that we want to see pay for this is the horrible individuals that did it.
“We will use the money we need to replace furniture etc and then donate the rest to charity. Please do not donate any more money. From the bottom of our hearts thank you all so so much.”
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.