A Southampton pub has decided to close early tonight on safety grounds while others are pleading for customers to behave themselves.

It comes as the country readies itself for the Euro 2020 final.

In a post on their Facebook page, the Black Phoenix Pub in Carlton Place said they have taken the decision to close at 8pm.

"This is not a decision we have taken lightly but given some of the scenes around Southampton after previous matches, this is the only way we feel we can best protect both our staff and our customers' safety.

"We will be serving until 7.45pm this evening and will still be available via Uber Eats from home delivery on the whole range of our delicious food and those all important thirst quenching beers/cocktails all the way through til 10pm!

"We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause but our staff and customer safety is always our priority above all else.

"We will be back open as usual tomorrow making those all important plans for the full reopening on 19th July!

"Thank you all for your continued understanding, we wish the England football team all the best in making history tonight and hope everyone enjoys the game sensibly and responsibly this evening!"

Their decision comes after the landlady of the Dolphin pub hit out at football fans who trashed her pub.

Corrine Yendle has been left angry and upset after a mob of youths climbed over the walls at The Dolphin.

During England’s semi-final win over Denmark earlier this week the troublemakers tore down lights and ripped tiles from the walls in the women’s toilets.

The Shooting Star in Bevois Valley Road is also not opening.

"Unfortunately we have made the decision to not open our doors on Sunday. As we don't show sport we have decided not to take on the extra level of risk that comes with opening on such a day. We wish everyone a really enjoyable and safe night!"

Other publicans and bar owners have pleaded with customers to be polite to staff working hard in exceptional circumstances.

The Orange Rooms in a social post said: "Us just like many others in the hospitality sector are suffering currently with understaffing due to track and tracing and COVID-19.

"Please bare with us in this difficult time as the members of our team who are working, are working long hours just so we can stay open!

"This is not the way we want to operate, but currently we have no other choice. So please be kind and give our team members some love as they bloody deserve it!

"And give this a share for all of those in hospitality right now!"