Divided loyalties between Spanish father and Newcastle-born son

The son of a Spanish chef working in England says his father will not find much support at home as he watches the Euro 2016 final.

England advanced to the last 16 of the UEFA European Football Championship after a decisive goal from striker Ollie Watkins in the 90th minute.

The BBC went to three Spanish restaurants in Newcastle to ask staff who are most loyal to them.

Jorge Del-Rio, who works at Café Andaluz, moved to the UK from Spain 25 years ago, but his son Robert is a born Geordie.

Jorge supports Spain and believes that “they can do it”.

“So far, they are the only team that has proven their worth in both defense and attack,” he says.

But Robert, 17, who works part-time with his father while studying at college, has different views.

“England, of course,” he says.

“I believe in us, I think we can do it.”

Even at home, this Spanish father will be in the minority.

“Of course we will both support our teams,” says Robert.

“He will support Spain, I will support England, but my sister and my mother will also support England.

“Then he will be alone.”

Across town at El Torero, the staff makes no apologies for tribal loyalties.

Assistant coach Natasha Khan joined Newcastle in 2018.

“I’m not a big football fan, but you end up getting really involved in this thing of rivalries between countries,” she says.

“To be fair, I think the situation is really in Spain’s favor, so I have high hopes for them.”

Diego Durán moved to the UK from Peru three years ago to study and also works part-time at El Torero.

“I’m really excited, it’s going to be a crazy game,” he says.

“Spain, England, two very good teams.

“But it has to be Spain.”

Teo de Galand also moved to Newcastle to study.

He has just graduated from Newcastle University and will soon be returning to Madrid.

He is confident that the trophy will also return to its home country.

“We won every game,” he says.

“I think we have a very strong team this year.

“It will be a difficult game, but I think Spain will win.”

At El Coto, in the shadow of St James’ Park football stadium, Silvia Panés Cañadas says she usually welcomes football fans but expects a quieter night on Sunday.

She is also more diplomatic about who she would like to see win.

“Both of them,” she says.

“I will be happy if Spain wins because it is my country and I am proud of it.

“But I also support England.

“I’ve lived here for 11 years, so I’ll be happy for any of them.”