The “horrific problems” behind disappointing Challenge Cup Final attendance

Ahead of the first Challenge Cup Final without Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves and St Helens since 1986 yesterday between Leigh Leopards and Hull KR at Wembley a huge attendance was expected.

It was expected to be the best attendance since 2019 after the pandemic caused no attendance in 2020 and a limited attendance in 2021 and of course last year’s final was held at the Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium.

The attendance was expected to be at least 60,000 and even approaching 65,000.

However, the official attendance was 58,213. But this was largely due to an accident on M1.

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. 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.