Wimbledon to allow fans watch World Cup matches on smartphones

Wimbledon have granted spectators the permission to follow the World Cup on their mobile phones during matches.

This is based on the premise that England may reach the final on Sunday at the expense of Croatia whom they face tonight at Saint Petersburg.

Wimbledon rules state phones, tablets and radios must be switched off “in and around courts of play”, with spectators also advised not to talk too loudly or behave in a disruptive manner.

This would confirmed by the head of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, Richard Lewis.

Lewis said spectators would be permitted to use devices such as smartphones to follow the football provided they did not disturb others.

He said: “It could distract people sitting around you. Give your tickets to someone who wants to watch the tennis and go and watch the football in the pub or on the big screen wherever it is.”

England have defied expectations to reach the World Cup semi-finals.