Turnstile crush at start of Liverpool match

Apr 3 2008 by Alan Weston, Liverpool Daily Post

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ABOUT 200 fans missed the start of Liverpool’s quarter-final Champions League clash against Arsenal last night after a crush at the turnstiles.

In a near-repeat of scenes outside last year’s Champions League final, in Athens, genuine ticket-holders were prevented from entering Arsenal’s Emirates stadium after some got in with forged tickets.

According to eye- witnesses, the build-up outside the ground began 30 minutes before the start of the game, with around 500 fans waiting to get in.

The problems began when two sets of turnstiles for away fans were closed while about 200 were still waiting to enter the stadium.

Announcements were made that the turnstiles were being closed for safety reasons.

A small number of frustrated fans were seen being restrained by police when they started to become aggressive.

All genuine ticket-holders were in the ground by about 20 minutes after the start of the game.

An eye witness said: “There was a surge towards the turnstiles when those who were still outside the ground could hear the cheers from the crowd after the game had started.

“The police told fans they were not letting anyone else in because too many people had got in with forged tickets.

“They didn’t let anyone else into the ground until 20 minutes after kick-off.

“The police horses wedged themselves into the crowd, and one man fell to the floor dangerously close to the horse’s feet.”

A number of fans who were unable to get into the ground for the start of the match expressed their anger.

Derek Goodrum, from Anfield, said: “At least in Athens, they had the excuse that it was an old ground. The Emirates is a brand new stadium and it’s ridiculous this can happen.”

Steve Cooke, from Hunts Cross, said: “There was a lot of confusion. As far as I can see, it’s been poorly organised by police.”

CLUB co-owner George Gillett, who had been planning to go to the game, was unable to travel from Chicago's O’Hare airport because of heavy snow.

SEE the events of last night on liverpool dailypost.co.uk

SPORT: PAGES 33-36

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