Arsenal warn fans not to rely on Tube for Manchester United clash
Arsenal's Emirates Stadium. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) - Credit: Getty Images
Arsenal have asked fans to find alternative transport for Wednesday’s premier league tie against Manchester United, due to the planned strike.
About 60,000 fans will be expected at the Emirates on February 12, but could struggle to get home with London Underground services from Finsbury Park, Highbury & Islington, Arsenal and Holloway Road tubes expected to be suspended.
National Rail services will be running from Finsbury Park, but are expected to be excessively overloaded due to the extra strain caused by the 48-hour industrial action – Overground trains are also expected to be under enormous strain.
The club and Transport for London (TFL) are advising fans to walk from King’s Cross, St Pancras, Liverpool Street and Euston where National Rail trains are also running.
The game, which will be shown live on BT Sport, starts at 7.45pm and will not finish until 9.30pm at the earliest.
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Alan Mackenzie, 54, a gunners fan who lives in Richmond Grove, said it was irresponsible of the club to let the game go ahead should the strike take place.
“I would say at least 50 per cent of the fans would usually use the tube – the game should be called off if the strike goes ahead,” said Mr Mackenzie who used to work in the transport industry.
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“They’re putting the money before the supporters because the game’s on TV.”
An Arsenal spokesman said: “Supporters are advised to make their way to and from Emirates Stadium by other means of transport as any Tube services to stations near the stadium are likely to be very limited.
“Supporters planning to drive to and from the match should note the matchday parking restrictions in operation in Islington and Hackney.”
Further strain on services could come from Liverpool fans trying to get back across London after their match at Fulham.
A TFL spokesperson said: “Should the RMT and TSSA strike action go ahead we will keep as many stations open and run as many trains as possible, however supporters travelling to and from the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening can expect disruption to Tube services.
“We recommend that supporters use alternative methods such as walking to and from the Emirates Stadium to key transport hubs, using local buses, First Capital Connect train services and London Overground. We encourage people to also check before they travel at tfl.gov.uk and by following @TfLTravelAlerts, @TfLTrafficNews and @TfLBusAlerts on Twitter.”
