Leicester City fans abandon cars and walk to stadium
Some people will do anything it takes to watch their football team – and Friday night was the perfect example.
As snow brought gridlock to the city centre, chaos descended as fans tried desperately to make their way to the King Power Stadium in time for kick-off.
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Just a few of the Leicester City fans who made it through the snow
Players were stranded and abandoned their cars, the Middlesbrough team bus was stuck in traffic and there were constant false rumours the game had been called off. In the event. kick-off was only delayed by 15 minutes to give the Middlesbrough players time to warm-up.
Those brave supporters battling to the King Power Stadium also got a bit more time to tackle the chaos before seeing their team win 1-0 to go second in the Championship.
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Like the City players, many supporters had difficult journeys to get to the game.
Take Ryan Betts, of Thorpe Astley, who walked five miles to get to the stadium
"I left at 4.45pm and it took me 45 minutes to travel about 400 yards. So I abandoned the car and walked it," said the 30-year-old.
"I left it at a petrol station on Lubbesthorpe Way and walked from there to the ground. It took me an hour but I wouldn't have missed it – It was worth every step. I thought the fans at the KP were superb – they generated a lot of noise considering there were only 8,500 there.
"I got in at midnight. But I have no regrets in dumping the car and walking the five miles. What a night to witness – glad I was there."
It was the same for Steve Coller, of Stanton-under-Bardon, who drove in traffic for more than two hours before parking near Woodgate and walking the last two miles to the stadium. "It was much quicker walking as the traffic was standing still," he said. "It was well worth it."
But not all City fans were able to conquer the conditions. Only 8,500 people made it out of more than 20,000 tickets sold – the lowest-ever league attendance at the King Power Stadium.
Many others claimed the match should have been called off.
Comments
by BUTLIN66
Tuesday, January 22 2013, 12:24AM
“things were really iffy because my daughter was havng to goin the general hospital as she was about to give birth but she said dad go to the footy i'll be fine , not only did i go iand my feet were freezing by the way it all turned out great cos city won i got home with still time to spare as about 2am daughter gave birth to a lovely baby boy weighing in 6lbs 15oz so it all worked out fantasti , i dont think i'll never forget the friday night in the snow and going second”
by Peter20101
Monday, January 21 2013, 2:10PM
“P2010, then you have a precident so what about other games that season ticket holders couldnt attend for any reason - do they reimburse again?
I beleive the gameshould not have been played and that the club clearly signelled their preference for sky money over fans (as they already had the fans money)
The pitch was playable, but the traffic was not manageable - yes not in their control, but it is not uncommon for a game to be cancelled, as it is unsafe for fans
The radio constantly game conflicting info that the game was on, but dont travel, dont bring your kids its unsafe outside, traffic is awful etc - but the club only listened to those inside the ground. And after the game, buses were cancelled and many had to walk home rather than use public transport.
As for those that attended (and there was never the 8,000+ in the ground city stated), it was very wet & cld in the stands and a tough surface & conditions for the players.
City also had a pie & a pint offer for this game as well (but not for season ticket holders) so imagine all the money they saved by not "giving away" food & drink
Yes I did go, I do beleive it should have been called off and that the club has clearly displayed little care for its supporters & their safety.”
by p2010
Monday, January 21 2013, 11:48AM
“Yet the club will not re-imburse season ticket holders who followed Police advice and did not travel unless absolutely necessary. Great PR again from the club just screw the season ticket holders for money.
Given that all season tickets are now cards it would not take long to work out which season ticket holder did not make the game.”