Fans boo World Cup hydration breaks in England–Croatia clash and in Toronto match amid criticism they disrupt flow of play

DALLAS, June 18 — Loud ‌boos echoed around Dallas Stadium at the start of the first hydration break during the World Cup clash between England and Croatia yesterday as fans signalled their disdain for the innovation.

Fifa’s mandatory three-minute breaks, one in each half, have proved controversial since being introduced for the first time at this World Cup to help players deal with the heat and humidity of the North American summer.

Some critics say the breaks kill the flow of the game, while others see their introduction as a cynical ploy to split the ‌game into four quarters and allow broadcasters more opportunities to ⁠show adverts.

Some England fans had ⁠said on social media they would ⁠signal their objection at yesterday’s ⁠match and ⁠the boos started from both sets of supporters as soon as referee Clement Turpin blew his whistle to signal the ⁠break in the 22nd minute.

The hydration break also received a cold reception in chilly Toronto for the day’s other Group L encounter as fans booed while players from Panama and Ghana walked toward their respective benches as a ⁠steady rain poured down.

There were also boos from the crowd when the first break started on Tuesday in Norway’s ⁠match against Iraq at Boston Stadium, where the temperature was ⁠a mild ⁠23 degrees Celsius.

Iraq were holding the Norwegians at 0-0 and playing well when the break started but conceded a goal four ‌minutes after play resumed and lost 4-1. — Reuters