Emotional spill hits pub extravaganza

Bass Taverns staked heavy investment in its pubs for Euro 96, forking out hundreds of thousands of pounds to install giant TV screens and video projectors.

Unfortunately for the pub-goers at one hostelry in South London, all the excitement of England against Germany got the better of the expensive equipment.

Some 50 drinkers were standing in the pub holding their drinks and watching the match on one of the giant screens.

When Alan Shearer scored for England, one punter got so excited, he threw his arms in the air, forgetting he was holding a pint of lager. The liquid poured into the projector, and the video system blew. The fans were sentenced to watch the rest of the match on a portable TV on top of the bar.