Revealed: When majority of 20,000 late fans arrived at Wembley

A big attendance was expected for the first Challenge Cup Final without Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves and St Helens and the attendance was expected to be boosted by Leeds, Saints, Halifax Panthers and Batley Bulldogs as they all took part in other finals either side of the main event between Leigh Leopards and Hull KR.

Early reports suggested that there would be over 60,000 fans in attendance and that the figure would even be approaching 65,000.

It was set to be the best attended final since 2019 between Warrington and St Helens but in the end it didn’t reach 60,000 reaching a total of 58,213.

This was largely due to an accident on the M1 which kept plenty of fans on the motorway and late for the game.

As confirmed on BBC by commentator Dave Woods, 20,000 ticket holders were late to the final due to these “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 was 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. Fortunately, it seems that the vast majority of fans were at the game in time for the second half.

However, the fans who didn’t make it at all will have missed an all time great final as well which was decided by a drop goal from Lachlan Lam in golden point.

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 followed 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.

It is a royal shame that what was one of the most exciting and enthralling Challenge Cup Finals in recent times had a limited attendance because of this worrying crash on the M1.

However, it was a great day for everyone who did get to the final in time.