Travel delays strikes and disruption

Subterms

    More stories

    • 175 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Euro 2024 travel chaos with England fans facing massive delays and nightmare train journeys

      by

      ENGLAND and Scotland fans planning on getting round Euro 2024 by train face a series of nightmare journeys.The once-famously efficient German transport network has become little more than a running joke in the country.Fans are facing transport hell in GermanyCredit: GettyThere are expected to be severe delaysCredit: GettyIt means fans have been warned to factor in at least an hour and maybe double that time for delays caused by a lack of trains, staffing issues and other reasons.UEFA have trumped the green credentials of the tournament, urging teams to use coach travel and supporters to get on the train between the 10 venue cities.Yet significant delays are now recorded on more than a THIRD of journeys across the Government-run Deutsche Bahn network.And that was BEFORE thousands of supporters from across Europe flood the trains seeking to criss-cross the country following their teams.READ MORE ON EURO 2024When a simple three hour journey can take almost twice as long on a bad day, the chaos is likely to cause hot tempers and bad blood.Germany-based UEFA representatives had been privately warning colleagues in Nyon about the looming problems for months leading up to the tournament.And the German media are also laughing publicly about the dreadful serviceTV journalist Chaled Nagar wrote on X: “The idea that Germany is so efficient and great at organizing is now officially considered a myth.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Almost everyone coming here is surprised that their train service at home is far so much better.”In a group with colleagues from abroad, there has been anger and sarcasm towards the train from day one. Banning England fans from drinking strong lager at Euros is ‘discriminatory’….‘we’re being picked on’, minister says”Many arrived today and yesterday. Now they have found out that there is a refund for delays and are demanding the same principle for the VAR. “Here’s to four wonderful weeks!”England begin their campaign against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday.Their next game is in Frankfurt as they take on Denmark four days later.Martin Lipton’s nightmare journeyIt should have been an easy day, a simple journey from Frankfurt to Munich and back to hear UEFA referees’ chief Roberto Rosetti explain how VAR and his team of officials were going to work in Euro 2024.
      But it turned into a 17-and-a-half hour nightmare as all the scare stories about the German railway network came frustratingly true.
      Cancellations, delays, work on the line and a shortage of staff meant I spent as long waiting and going nowhere as being on the move on the 480-mile round trip.
      “Vorsprung durch Technik”, as they USED to say in Germany? Don’t make me laugh… As for the sandwiches and salad at Munich Hauptbahnhof – don’t bother.
      Here’s how my day went….
      08:30 – Leave Frankfurt hotel and walk to main station for 0905 train. Already informed that connecting train in Stuttgart has been cancelled09:20 – Train departs – just 15 minutes late. By the time it arrives in Stuttgart I would have missed the original 1051 train.11:25 – Delayed 1115 leaves Stuttgart, arriving at Munich-Pasing 25 minutes late.15:00 – Finally arrive at Allianz Arena, almost two hours later than scheduled after more issues with local S-Bahn and U-Bahn commuter services.18:20 – Leave Allianz Arena in time for 1923 train to Frankfurt. Initially booked and faster direct service already cancelled.19:53 – Board train, already half an hour late. Discover it is no longer stopping at Frankfurt main station. The everybody told to get off as Deutsche Bahn have run out of train crew.21:03 – Replacement option of 2029 service finally leaves Munich, due to arrive in Frankfurt at 1204.01:25 -Train finally pulls in at Frankfurt, 85 minutes late. Catch last 37 bus to hotel, sparing me a 20 minute walk.

      And the Three Lions close out their Group C campaign in a clash with Slovenia on June 25.If Gareth Southgate’s men reach the last 16 by winning their group, they will be back in Gelsenkirchen on June 30.Finishing second would set up a trip to Dortmund on June 29, while England could also end up in Frankfurt on July 1 if they are one of the four best third-place teams.And it is not just the travel situation set to leave a bad taste in fans’ mouths.Policing Minister Chris Philp says thje decision to give Three Lions followers “watered-down” pints at England’s opening game against Serbia is “discriminatory.”He told The Sun’s Never Mind The Ballots election countdown show: “If England fans have somehow been picked out or singled out and served watered-down beer based on their nationality, that sounds to me completely unfair.“And probably discriminatory – we should not be getting picked on in that way.”READ MORE SUN STORIESRisk ratings have been set to “very high” for Sunday’s clash with Serbia amid fears 500 hardcore yobs will travel to spark clashes with England fans. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal and Tottenham fans face travel chaos ahead of huge clash with fears heavy rain and strong winds will hit trains

      by

      ARSENAL and Tottenham fans could be hit by travel chaos for the North London derby.The rivals face off at Spurs’ stadium at 2pm this afternoon.Arsenal fans could have trouble getting to the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: GettyHowever, supporters making their way to the ground from south of London could have their journeys disrupted by the heavy rain and strong winds that have battered the area overnight and this morning.Network Rail warned passengers planning to get Southern, Gatwick Express, Thameslink or Great Northern trains may see disruption.That could also cause headaches for Brighton fans heading along the South Coast to Bournemouth, also for a 2pm kick-off.A Network Rail statement said: “Heavy rainfall is affecting the Southern, Gatwick Express and Thameslink networks, especially south of London and towards the South Coast. READ MORE ON ARSENAL”Some strong winds are also expected.“This weather may disrupt journeys until the middle of the day today, 28 April. Please check journey planners before you travel.”However, trains appear to be running on time as things stand.And there is no Met Office weather warning in place, though.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThankfully, the forecast does not look too bad for the actual match at Tottenham, either – with grey skies expected and the possibility of some rain. Spurs head into the North London derby certainly hoping to pour a dampener on Arsenal’s title hopes.How Arteta’s tactical masterstroke turned Havertz into Arsenal’s most important playerThe Gunners know they will need to be virtually faultless in their run-in to the end of the season – and are reliant on Manchester City dropping points.The hosts, meanwhile, have their own ambitions of pipping Aston Villa to a top-four spot. And a first win over Arsenal since May 2022 would certainly help.Mikel Arteta’s men head into the game full of confidence after slapping Chelsea for five in midweek.It promises to be a thrilling clash with all the coverage available from SunSport’s live blog. And our very own columnist and former Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has had his say on where he thinks the game could be won or lost.Forget Odegaard and Rice… this Arsenal star could be Player of the Year, says Andy DillonBy Andy Dillon
      MARTIN ODEGAARD and Declan Rice will rightly be in the shake down for the Footballer of the Year award.
      But their Arsenal team-mate Gabriel also deserves recognition should the Gunners go on to win the Premier League title.
      The Brazilian has been a monster at the back alongside William Saliba.
      They are the heart of the meanest defence — conceding just 24 goals in the league this season.
      He has also scored four, the joint-highest for a defender in the top flight along with Spurs’ Cristian Romero.
      If boss Mikel Arteta ends Arsenal’s 20-year wait for the title then Gabriel will have been as important a cog in the machine as anyone at the Emirates.
      Considering he was struggling for game time and appeared a lost soul last summer, it’s some turnaround.
      Click here to ready Andy’s column in full.
      Or to read more from Andy Dillon, click here

      Redknapp said: “The smallest details can make the biggest difference and for Spurs that means how they cope without the injured Destiny Udogie, who might not get the headlines but has been outstanding.”His pace would have been vital against Bukayo Saka, who can destroy you, and Ange Postecoglou’s got a big job on now Udogie’s missing, for sure.”If they don’t double up on Saka he could run riot.”While that’s crucial, so is keeping a cool head, because Spurs will be bang up for this and the tackles are going to be flying in.”There will be a few cards flashed around, believe me.”I really can’t see Spurs getting beaten, so assuming they manage to keep Saka in check, I’d have to put my money on a score draw.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I can see goals, I can see bookings — plenty of them — but I just can’t see a winner.”Which obviously means no one’s going home happy. Apart from City.”Destiny Udogie’s absence will be a big miss up against Bukayo SakaCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal hit by travel chaos just hours before Brighton clash with dozens of trains cancelled after landslide

      by

      ARSENAL fans have been hit by a major travel disruption just hours before their trip to Brighton.A landslide in the Hassocks/Burgess Hill area has caused some train lines to close between Haywards Heath and Brighton.The cancellation of trains is set to impact fans heading to the South CoastCredit: PAArsenal fans are trying to get down to Brighton to watch their side at the AmexCredit: AlamyThis is set to have a severe impact on Gunners supporters heading to the South Coast for the 5.30pm kick-off at the Amex.Delays are expected to continue until the end of the day.A tweet from Brighton on X read: “There is disruption on the train lines today between Haywards Heath and Brighton due to a landslide which means some lines are closed.”Trains may be cancelled, delayed by up to 60 minutes or revised and disruption is expected until the end of the day.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We advise fans travelling to today’s game to leave early and follow @SouthernRailUK for updates.”National Rail also confirmed the disruption, adding: “Where possible, some trains will divert to run via Horsham and the West Coast.”Gatwick Express services will run between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport – they will not run through to Brighton until further notice.”It comes after Tottenham’s clash with Nottingham Forest was moved from Monday to Sunday on just 10 DAYS notice due to rail strikes.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSArsenal’s likely line up for their clash with Brighton on Saturday eveningIt was initially due to take place in North London at 8pm on Monday evening.However, scheduled strikes by both overground and underground workers forced the match to be moved to 6pm on Sunday evening.And Arsenal fans were left raging at the latest travel chaos.One said: “Another day of excellent banter by our national rail service 🙄🙃.”While another added: “Absolute s**t show. Trains cancelled all over the place.”Arsenal head into the game knowing a win will take them top of the Premier League table ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Manchester United on Sunday. More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Football fans face travel chaos for huge weekend of Premier League clashes as latest set of train strikes confirmed

      by

      TRAIN STRIKES are set to plunge Premier League fans into chaos next month.It has been confirmed that the latest set of strikes will take place between Friday, April 5 and Monday, April 8.Train strikes are set to wreak havoc among football supporters on the first weekend of AprilCredit: GettyDrivers for Chiltern, GWR, LNER, Northern, and TransPennine will strike on the Saturday – when seven Premier League games are taking place.Of those matches, the disruption is expected to have the biggest impact on Newcastle’s trip to Fulham – a 3pm kick-off.Walkouts over the weekend are also set to affect fans making the trip to Sheffield United vs Chelsea at Bramall Lane.But the supporters who will suffer most are those going to Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest in North London on Monday evening.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat is because the list of those striking includes c2c, Greater Anglia, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express, South Western Railway main line and depot drivers, and the SWR Island Line.And that is not the only disruption as London Underground drivers who are members of the Aslef union will also strike on the same day.It comes after 98 per cent of its drivers voted in favour of action – with a second strike set for Saturday May 4 when another set of Premier League fixtures take place.The overground strike is taking place due to a long-running dispute over pay.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Tube strike is a result of employees disputing their terms and conditions.The latest travel fears come after Chelsea fans faced cancellations prior to their trip to Manchester City last month.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersAnd in January, supporters suffered with Tube strikes on the day of Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Liverpool. More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal fans hit by travel chaos for Liverpool FA Cup clash with Londoners facing days of ‘little to no’ Tube service

      by

      ARSENAL fans are facing travel chaos for their FA Cup clash against Liverpool on Sunday – with tube strikes set to take place.Transport for London stated there will be “little to no service” on the underground, leaving supporters with a travel headache for the 16:30 kick-off.
      Fans will have a tough time getting home from the Emirates for Sunday’s gameCredit: Reuters
      TfL today urged passengers to “only travel if their journey is essential” from this Sunday evening until next Friday.
      Transport bosses declared that lines serving the Emirates Stadium in North London for the Arsenal v Liverpool FA Cup third round match, will end around 6.30pm.
      They added that lines will “try to remain open longer” but that fans should make their way straight to the trains following the match.
      It comes amid a dispute over pay and conditions.
      RESD MORE ARSENAL NEWS
      Arsenal – who last won the FA Cup in 2020- host Jurgen Klopp’s men following successive defeats in the Premier League.
      Mikel Arteta’s side suffered a shock 2-0 defeat to West Ham at the Emirates, after a controversial goal from Tomas Soucek and a second-half header from Konstantinos Mavropanos.
      Misery then continued for the Gunners, as they were beaten 2-1 by an out-of-form Fulham side at Craven Cottage on New Years Eve.
      Meanwhile, Liverpool – who lifted the FA Cup in 2022 – sit top of the Premier League and held Arsenal to a 2-2 draw at Anfield last month.
      Most read in Football
      Tube strikes are projected to begin on January 7Credit: PA
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      But Arsenal will look to get back to winning ways and advance in the competition they’ve won a record 14 times.
      Chaos will begin when engineering and maintenance workers take strike action this Friday and Saturday.
      The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) hit out at ‘below inflation’ pay rises for staff and claimed TfL had created a bonus pot of £13million for senior managers. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Newcastle fans face train nightmare ahead of Spurs clash with huge delays and passengers advised ‘not to travel’

      by

      NEWCASTLE fans have been advised not to travel to London by LNER after major disruption hit the train network ahead of Toon’s clash with Tottenham.All trains from Newcastle to the capital have been cancelled following “severe damage” to overhead lines between Peterborough and Grantham on Saturday.
      Newcastle fans have been advised not to travel to LondonCredit: Rex
      Damage to overhead lines between Grantham and Peterborough caused major disruption
      Train operator LNER announced there was major disruption between London and York with lines to Lincoln and Leeds also affected.
      Newcastle fans travelling to the Tottenham match are able to get as far as Grantham in Lincolnshire but would then have to make alternative arrangements.
      One possible alternative for fans is to take a bus from Grantham to London with supporters travelling on the 8:30am train receiving advice from LNER.
      Another alternative for those yet to set off is to travel from Newcastle to Carlisle or Manchester before boarding a London-bound train.
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFER
      But the Magpies fans also face a nightmare journey back to the North East as the 7:30pm train from King’s Cross to Newcastle has been cancelled.
      That means there will only be one train back to Newcastle for fans to travel on – and that has been delayed due to staff shortages.

      LNER issued a statement informing customers that their tickets would be valid on other trainlines, including the TransPennine Express between Manchester, Leeds and York/Newcastle.
      Toon’s clash with Spurs in North London kicks off at 4:30pm with Eddie Howe’s side looking to bounce back from their midweek defeat to Everton.
      Most read in Football
      Tottenham are also looking to recover their form after failing to win their last five games despite taking the lead in each one.
      A win for Newcastle would move them above Tottenham in the table into fifth place, and potentially just one point off fourth-placed Manchester City. More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd’s flight to Newcastle is CANCELLED and Ten Hag and team must take nightmare three-hour coach journey

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED have been forced to travel to Newcastle by coach after their flight was cancelled.The Red Devils were scheduled to fly to the north-east on Saturday morning.
      Manchester United are travelling to Newcastle by coach after their flight was cancelledCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Marcus Rashford appeared to be feeling the cold as he boarded the coachCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      But their 11am flight was cancelled due to bad weather and technical problems.
      That means the squad has had to resort to a coach to travel the 106 miles to St James’ Park just hours before their 8pm kick-off.
      The journey is expected to take three hours if there is no further disruption from traffic or bad weather.
      The Met Office is predicting freezing temperatures in Newcastle this evening, which could dip to -1 Celsius.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Erik ten Hag and Rasmus Hojlund already appeared to be feeling the cold as they boarded the coach ahead of their trip north.
      United will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing 3-3 draw with Galatasaray in mid-week which left them on the brink of Champions League elimination.

      However United are the in-form team in the Premier League over the last five matches with four wins and one defeat.
      They have won three on the bounce without conceding and thrashed Everton away from home last time out.
      Most read in Football
      Andre Onana will be aiming to bounce back from his mid-week blunderCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Rasmus Hojlund is still looking for his first Premier League goalCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Alejandro Garnacho is in brilliant form with two goals in two gamesCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Captain Bruno Fernandes scored a spectacular goal in IstanbulCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Newcastle also have several key players missing through injuries and suffered their own European setback in mid-week, cruelly conceding a controversial last-minute penalty to draw with Paris Saint-Germain.
      But they did dominate Chelsea last week with a 4-1 win at St James’ Park and have won six out of seven games on their home turf.
      Man Utd’s journey to Newcastle turned into a nightmare
      Raphael Varane could be in contention to startCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Harry Maguire has been a regular starter for the last few weeksCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Scott McTominay has been in good goalscoring form this seasonCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Youngster Kobbie Mainoo has featured in the last two gamesCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      United’s coach journey is expected to take three hoursCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke More

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Passengers left fuming as Arsenal opponents ‘STEAL’ commercial flight and leave 80 stranded at airport

      by

      CHAOS erupted at a Spanish airport after Sevilla players boarded a commercial flight and left other passengers stranded.The LaLiga side played Celta Vigo away on Saturday afternoon with the game ending 1-1.
      Sevilla players boarded a flight at the expense of paying customersCredit: Getty
      Air Nostrum have apologised and offered passengers compensationCredit: AIR NOSTRUM
      After the final whistle, the Sevilla players went to catch their flight home from the north of Spain to the south.
      Meanwhile, 80 passengers queued up to board a plane heading for Madrid but they were told there was a delay.
      Suddenly, the customers were bypassed by the Sevilla squad and told their flight was now cancelled.
      The group of 56 all boarded the plane and left the 80 paying customers stranded at the airport.
      READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS
      It turns out the team’s chartered jet had suffered a technical fault and Air Nostrum chose to put them on a different flight at the expense of everyday people.
      They were not given alternative travel arrangements and will instead receive compensation.
      One passenger fumed on social media, writing: “We are still at the airport with no word about the theft of the plane by Sevilla.”
      The airline later released a statement that read: “Air Nostrum deeply regrets the disadvantage suffered by the passengers on flight IB8869 from Vigo to Madrid, which is solely due to an unfortunate error on the part of the airline.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      “In the coming week we will contact all passengers to compensate them for the inconvenience caused.”
      Sevilla have to board another plane in the coming days as they face Arsenal in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
      This is not the first Spanish football travel disaster this season after 15 Las Palmas players missed their flight ahead of a crucial away game. More