A Southend pub has cancelled a gig following claims the band glamourised football hooliganism.
Acarine, a band which recently signed a record deal, were due to play at the Alex, in Alexandra Street, on Saturday.
In the light of trouble caused by England fans in Portugal and admissions by promoter Dean Ward that the band condones football violence, the pub has cancelled the gig.
The band sing several songs dealing with football violence including Face 'Em Up and Pig In The Middle, a song from an imaginary musical about South London hooligans.
Councillors and Southend United had condemned the gig and police were on the alert for possible trouble.
A spokeswoman for the Alex said: "The band was booked by an external promoter who had booked our function room. We were not aware of the content of the songs. Given the events of Euro 2004 we feel that it is appropriate to cancel the gig on Saturday."
The band's promoter Dean Ward said: "Acarine do not promote football violence but they do condone it. It's what they know and they write from their own experience."
Published Thursday June 17, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article