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| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| Liverpool fans stranded by flight | Liverpool fans stranded by flight |
| (40 minutes later) | |
| About 150 Liverpool fans have been left stranded after an airline cancelled its flight to Athens only hours ahead of the Champions League final. | About 150 Liverpool fans have been left stranded after an airline cancelled its flight to Athens only hours ahead of the Champions League final. |
| The Jet Time Airways flight was the last of 37 flights scheduled to leave the city for Athens on Wednesday. | The Jet Time Airways flight was the last of 37 flights scheduled to leave the city for Athens on Wednesday. |
| It was due to take off from Liverpool John Lennon Airport at 1215 BST but was cancelled due to technical problems. | It was due to take off from Liverpool John Lennon Airport at 1215 BST but was cancelled due to technical problems. |
| There are estimated to be about 25,000 Reds fans attending the AC Milan clash at the Olympic Stadium. | There are estimated to be about 25,000 Reds fans attending the AC Milan clash at the Olympic Stadium. |
| Those without tickets have been urged by police to stay away from the stadium and watch the match in local bars instead. | Those without tickets have been urged by police to stay away from the stadium and watch the match in local bars instead. |
| They've just basically told us the plane's not going to take us Stranded fan About 8,000 people flew out of the Liverpool airport in the morning, before the Jet Time Airways flight was cancelled. | They've just basically told us the plane's not going to take us Stranded fan About 8,000 people flew out of the Liverpool airport in the morning, before the Jet Time Airways flight was cancelled. |
| Airport spokesman Robin Tudor said: "It is particularly disappointing for us as it has been a fantastic morning with a great atmosphere among all the fans travelling to Greece. | Airport spokesman Robin Tudor said: "It is particularly disappointing for us as it has been a fantastic morning with a great atmosphere among all the fans travelling to Greece. |
| "Due to unforeseen circumstances the last flight was cancelled and this has left 150 fans absolutely devastated, quite understandably so." | "Due to unforeseen circumstances the last flight was cancelled and this has left 150 fans absolutely devastated, quite understandably so." |
| One fan grounded at the airport told the BBC: "We've paid £550 and they've just basically told us the plane's not going to take us... | One fan grounded at the airport told the BBC: "We've paid £550 and they've just basically told us the plane's not going to take us... |
| "The plane was going to set off at 10 o'clock - they've waited until what is it, three o'clock, to tell us the plane can't fly. | "The plane was going to set off at 10 o'clock - they've waited until what is it, three o'clock, to tell us the plane can't fly. |
| "Why is that - why couldn't they have told us earlier on?" | "Why is that - why couldn't they have told us earlier on?" |
| About 25,000 Liverpool fans are expected at the AC Milan gameEarlier on Wednesday several fans were stranded at Stansted Airport after an Athens flight was moved to an earlier departure time. | |
| Thomas Cook said some of those affected by the changes had organised their own travel arrangements, while others would be transferred to Heathrow flights. | Thomas Cook said some of those affected by the changes had organised their own travel arrangements, while others would be transferred to Heathrow flights. |
| In the Greek capital, Merseyside officers are assisting local police, who have 8,500 officers on duty. | In the Greek capital, Merseyside officers are assisting local police, who have 8,500 officers on duty. |
| There has been resentment that the allocations to the two clubs have been 17,000 each in the 63,000 capacity stadium, driving many supporters on to the black market. | There has been resentment that the allocations to the two clubs have been 17,000 each in the 63,000 capacity stadium, driving many supporters on to the black market. |
| The British Embassy said staff had distributed 10,000 leaflets giving advice on what to do if fans encountered a problem. | The British Embassy said staff had distributed 10,000 leaflets giving advice on what to do if fans encountered a problem. |
| 'Good humoured' | 'Good humoured' |
| British Ambassador Simon Gass said: "British football has a great reputation, it's a wonderful export for us in many ways. | British Ambassador Simon Gass said: "British football has a great reputation, it's a wonderful export for us in many ways. |
| "I think the Liverpool fans will come here and be good ambassadors." | "I think the Liverpool fans will come here and be good ambassadors." |
| In Merseyside, police are warning that fans should take care in busy pubs, bars and restaurants. | In Merseyside, police are warning that fans should take care in busy pubs, bars and restaurants. |
| Ch Supt Andy Ward said: "Two years ago the majority of supporters were good humoured and well behaved, this year we're hoping the fans will again make the city proud." | Ch Supt Andy Ward said: "Two years ago the majority of supporters were good humoured and well behaved, this year we're hoping the fans will again make the city proud." |
| Six people have been stopped from leaving the UK in the ports and airports operation designed to stop troublemakers flying to Athens. | Six people have been stopped from leaving the UK in the ports and airports operation designed to stop troublemakers flying to Athens. |
| Two were at John Lennon Airport and four were stopped at Dover for alleged possession of forged tickets. | Two were at John Lennon Airport and four were stopped at Dover for alleged possession of forged tickets. |