Suffolk mental health expert urges football fans to share their feelings as the Euros get underway

England's opening game is against Serbia on Sunday

Author: Amy ShephardPublished 14th Jun 2024

An expert in mental health from Suffolk is reminding football fans it's important to talk through their emotions - as the Euros get underway today.

Scotland take on hosts Germany in tonight's opening match and England's opening game is against Serbia on Sunday.

Greatest Hits Radio spoke to Dylan Pomietlo from the charity, Teenage Mental Health, in Ipswich.

He told us people can be genuinely upset if their team doesn't win - and that it's important to talk your feelings through with friends: "There's something about the anticipation, the adrenaline, the excitement and the anxiety that we create when we think of these things.

"It could happen over anything but there's something passionate about football - and sport in general.

"If it goes badly, people can feel genuinely upset. You've had all this build up, and then if you don't win, there's a sense of loss.

"You should acknowledge your feelings, whether you're sad or angry, or anything else.

"Then think about what you could do - it could just be going to the pub and talking it out with your mates and airing out your opinions and your disappointment."

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.