Soccer fans unhappy with transport issues at Euro 2024 but authorities downplay concerns

Gelsenkirchen: Complaints from soccerfansabout transportation issues around the European Championship game between England and Serbia in Gelsenkirchen...

Gelsenkirchen: Complaints from soccer fans about transportation issues around the European Championship game between England and Serbia in Gelsenkirchen were downplayed by local authorities on Monday.

Supporters experienced long and crowded lines for trams to and from Arena AufSchalke for England's 1-0 win on Sunday, while late-night delays on the network added to the frustrations.

There were reports of some fans deciding to walk the 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) journey from Gelsenkirchen’s city center to the out-of-town stadium along a dual carriageway. Others were still waiting at Gelsenkirchen’s main train station three hours after the game ended because of delays, with some having been asked to disembark from trains to control the flow.

An England supporter group described the transport problems as "quite simply ridiculous" and targeted criticism toward UEFA, the tournament organizer.

"If UEFA are going to allocate a 9 pm kick-off slot on a Sunday evening to any venue then they need to guarantee that transport arrangements are in place that allow all fans, including those going to fan zones, to travel safely, comfortably and conveniently both to, and crucially back from the venue,” read a statement issued by the Football Supporters' Association.