Party pooper! No free beer for England fans in Kosovo

The mayor of Pristina is promising England fans and players a warm welcome for their European Championship qualifier against Kosovo, but there's no free beer.

England play Sunday in Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, after their Euro 2020 matches against Bulgaria and Montenegro were marred by racist abuse directed at their players.

Pristina Mayor Shpend Ahmeti told the Associated Press on Thursday that big celebrations were planned to welcome England players and fans to the city.

Big posters showing England players have been put up around downtown Pristina and other cities, with slogans like "Miresevjen broo [Welcome brother]."

Ahmeti said waiters at coffee bars will wear T-shirts with words of welcome for visiting fans, and an organised celebration will be held at the stadium ahead of the match.

However, one idea to hold an event offering free beer to England fans was turned down, said Ahmeti, with advice coming from the British embassy in Pristina.

Hundreds of England fans -- possibly more -- are expected to watch the game at the 13,000-seat Fadil Vokrri stadium in Pristina.

Kosovo, which was accepted as a member of UEFA and FIFA in 2016, are third in Group A and play at second-place Czech Republic on Thursday.