Euro 2012: Wife's fury after husband heads out to Ukraine to see England play instead of celebrating anniversary

One England fan looks to be in the doghouse with his partner when he gets back from the Ukraine after a banner was hung over a bridge declaring: 'I hope the quarter finals are worth missing our anniversary for.'

 The message was directed at a man named only as Chris who appeared to have defied his wife's wishes and flown out for the Euro 2012 clash with Italy on Sunday. 

The 5ft by 3ft banner has been hung over a busy dual carriageway in Birmingham where thousands of motorists pass by each day.

It read: 'Chris, hope the quarter finals are worth missing our anniversary for - don't rush back!'

It was first spotted by motorists travelling along the A38 between Birmingham and Sutton Coldfield on Wednesday.

James Sporren, 30, from Lichfield, Staffs, who under it said he had sympathy with the man in question.

He said: 'He's just enjoying a chance to support his country in a major tournament - and that doesn't come along very often.

'You shouldn't make a man pick between his woman and his country.

'They will have an anniversary every year - this is our best chance for a long time.'

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But fellow England fan Bob Sparling, a lorry driver from Birmingham, disagreed and said: 'Football is not the be all and end all - you need to make sure the lady in your life is kept on the right side.

'I wonder if it's directed at him while he was on his way to Birmingham Airport or whether she's just trying to name and shame him.

'But one thing is for sure - he'll have hell to pay when he gets home.'