Lionesses return home after World Cup heroics – but avoid fans at Heathrow
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England fans were left bitterly disappointed after the Lionesses failed to greet them at Heathrow after returning home from the Women's World Cup.
Around 40 supporters gathered in Terminal 3, including some who had waited overnight, to give the team a rousing welcome, only to learn they wouldn't be passing through.
One young girl was pictured holding a homemade sign which read: 'Lionesses! You have inspired me to play with I love! Football! All of you played amazing! Welcome home!' while dozens more were seen clutching St George's flags and other England-themed banners.
But they needn't have bothered after being snubbed by Sarina Wiegman and Co, who had their bags bussed through the terminal by airport staff, before sneaking out via a private exit.
READ MORE: Alessia Russo appears to break down in tears at airport as England Lionesses fly home
The squad had flown in from Sydney Airport following their heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday.
Reaction to their decision not to greet fans was mixed on social media, with some branding their behaviour "disgraceful" and others insisting it was "perfectly reasonable" for the team to want to head straight home.
Should the Lionesses have greeted fans at Heathrow? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
"'Disgraceful. England fans waited at Heathrow to greet Lionesses home, they had bought flags, banners, and got up stupidly early and travelled to show appreciation to their heroes. Instead, the squad slipped out via a private exit. Shame on them," one X (formerly Twitter) user wrote.
Another agreed, writing: "A bit s*** of Lionesses landing at Heathrow and using a private exit to avoid fans. Bloody hell, it's fans that give them support in first place."
However, one person argued: "'They've been on a plane for 24 hours. I'm sure they're tired and they just want to go home and get some sleep. There's a time and a place for a fan meet and greet and I'm sure it will happen in the next day or two."
A second added: "It's perfectly reasonable for the Lionesses to want to head straight home after such a gruelling tournament and a long flight home. Fuss over nothing."
- England women’s football team
- Women’s World Cup
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