Everton fans left in UEFA limbo

Sep 8 2007

EVERTON supporters hoping to follow their team to the Ukraine next month were in turmoil last night after flights were cancelled due to airport runway problems.

Tour operator Travel Management Group withdrew its one-day return package to the UEFA Cup first round tie against Metalist Kharkiv, leaving hundreds of fans in limbo.

The decision was blamed on airport runway problems in the Kharkiv – Ukraine’s second-largest city – where the Goodison side are due to play their second leg match on Thursday, October 4.

It is Everton’s first European away tie for two years following their unsuccessful campaign in 2005, and a large contingent of fans had been expected to travel to the former Soviet republic.

TMG had been offering supporters a one-day return flights package from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, independent of the club and excluding the match ticket price, at a total cost of £356.

There was dismay among fans yesterday as many began to realise their plans had been left in disarray.

An email sent by TMG to one fan said: “It is with regret that we are having to cancel the tour to the Ukraine.

“TMG had chartered a UK-based aircraft to fly into Kharkiv, but unfortunately the airstrip does not comply with stringent UK safety regulations, therefore the carrier has refused to undertake the flight programme.

“Currently, there are no other aircraft available that can operate into Kharkiv, and therefore it is with regret that we have decided to cancel the tour.”

TMG promised supporters that money already paid would be refunded in full. But it will come as cold comfort to disappointed fans.

Everton are offering an official travel package of their own. A statement on the club website confirmed a contingent was in Kharkiv finalising travel plans, and would report back to fans on Monday.

Club spokesman Ian Ross told the Daily Post: “We have people out in Ukraine at the moment, checking on the layout of the town, the hotels, stadium and the airport, everything.

“The club is aware of potential problems relating to the airport in Kharkiv, but we will certainly not be scrapping our plans to take supporters to the game.

“We would, however, warn supporters to be very careful about who they book with, as many aircraft are unsuitable for the runway there.”

“We will let fans know of our plans first thing next week.”

Other independent packages are on offer, with some flying from Manchester or into Kiev, five hours’ drive from Kharkiv.

Some supporters are planning to make the trip by train or fly to Prague and continue the long journey from there.