Hundred of fans miss final because of air strike

May 22 2007 by Luke Traynor, Liverpool Echo

HUNDREDS of Liverpool fans look set miss the Champions League final because of an air strike.

An eight-hour stoppage by staff in Italy has caused chaos for supporters who planned to reach Athens by ferry via the Italian port of Ancona.

Ryanair warned passengers of the last-minute strike by text message yesterday evening, and began moving them onto a direct service for Athens tomorrow morning.

But scores more were left with plans in jeopardy after flights to Ancona, Treviso and Pisa were cancelled.

Some fans were being given places on the Athens flight, but many others were told they could not board the service.

Up to 40 fans demanded answers from Ryanair staff.

Peter Finnegan, 55, from Speke, was one of the lucky ones heading to Athens, but only after a long row with Ryanair.

He said: “I’m made up and I’m sure it’s thanks to the ECHO getting on to the case that things changed so quickly.”

Scott Dewhurst and his brother Peter and 14-year-old son Craig returned home after being told there was no flight.

The three were part of a family party of five from Bootle who paid £650 for their trip.

Ryanair offered them a later flight to Ancona, but it would have meant missing their ferry connection.

Peter Dewhurst said: “This was a birthday present for Craig and he’s really upset. We can’t afford paying more money, and it would get there too late anyway.

“It’s a nightmare.”

Forklift truck driver Tony Moore, 43, a Kop season ticket holder from the city centre, drove straight to John Lennon airport yesterday after getting the Ryanair text.

He and his group were transferred on to Wednesday’s direct flight.

He said: “I was nearly in tears when it looked like there was no way to sort it. Ryanair staff at the airport were absolutely fantastic.

“I’m so pleased we were able to sort an alternative, but I feel for the lads who couldn’t.”

Stephen McDonough, 21, from West Derby, also made a last-minute dash to JLA.

His father David said: “Stephen and his group of 10 mates were sorted but only because they got there quickly.

“I don’t know what will happen to the poor souls who miss out after they are full.”