20,000 fans miss Challenge Cup Final due to “horrific problems on the motorway”
Hull KR v Leigh Leopards Picture by Will Palmer/SWpix.com - 12/08/2023 - Rugby League - Betfred Challenge Cup Final - Hull KR v Leigh Leopards - Wembley Stadium, London, England - Players from Hull Kingston Rovers and Leigh Leopards enter the field prior to the start of the Betfred Challenge Cup Final London England Copyright: x xSWpix.comxt/axPhotographyxHubxLtdxWillxPalmer/SWpix.comx SWP-2243-0001
In a historic final, the first without Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves and St Helens since 1986, Leigh Leopards and Hull KR have taken centre stage but some of their fans are missing out.
As confirmed on BBC by commentator Dave Woods, 20,000 ticket holders have been late to the final due to “horrific problems.”
He said: “Horrific problems on the motorway and up to 20,000 ticket holders have not arrived yet because of those problems.”
It is devastating news for fans and they have missed a pulsating start to the final.
Leigh took the lead via a penalty from Ben Reynolds.
However, Hull KR struck back with a try finished by Jez Litten.
But that will have been missed by nearly 20,000 fans.
One Twitter user appealed to both Leigh Leopards and owner Derek Beaumont to consider a delay to the 3pm Challenge Cup Final.
“@derek_beaumont @LeighLeopardsRL M1 absolute stand still. Hull KR fans and Leopards all stuck. May need a delay!”
Following this, fans commented: “Back on M1 estimated at 2:50pm.”
And: “Coach drivers frantically trying to find different routes, gutted if we miss out.”
It follows earlier reports that there had been an accident on the motorways which had also heightened fears that many fans wouldn’t make it to Wembley for kick off time.
Wembley was expected to receive a huge crowd given that it was the first time Leigh had made the big game since 1971 and Rovers hadn’t made an appearance in the final since their record defeat to Leeds Rhinos in 2015.
Moreover the addition of both the women’s and 1895 Cup Final meant that the attendance could be pushing towards 80,000, something that has only been surpassed four times in the 21st century.
It has been a great day besides this news with a great women’s final between Leeds Rhinos and St Helens and the news that Wembley will hold the next two Challenge Cup Finals.
Next years is pencilled in for June 8th and will again see the women play alongside the men in a great event at Wembley stadium.
Unfortunately this time some fans have missed the action.