More chaos at Champions League final in Istanbul as fans ‘walk FIVE MILES’ through traffic to reach Ataturk Stadium with just two hours before kick-off… while smoke “from a nearby warehouse fire” fills the air
By mid-afternoon, bars and restaurants in central Istanbul became noticeably quieter as City fans began to make their way to the Olympic Stadium.
Keen to avoid a repeat of last year’s fiasco, UEFA encouraged supporters to take shuttle buses which started leaving at 1pm local time – nine hours before kick-off – the last to leave at 18 hours.
Many supporters reported that the journey took almost two hours with many buses stuck in terrible traffic while those who chose to take the metro – even with three changes – fared better as they looked conditioned and it only took 90 minutes.
While Turkish media showed footage of fans walking along a highway alongside stationary traffic in a desperate effort to reach the ground.
Once on the ground, City supporters were able to make their way to a fan zone set up next door where food and entertainment was on offer – although many complained the price of a beer was nearly six times the price in Istanbul bars.
Man City fans were spotted walking towards the venue for the Champions League final in Istanbul
There have also been reports of beer shortages and one fan told MailOnline: “I arrived early as advised and now I’m being punched in the pocket by UEFA for a drink and it’s sold out.”
“I think they should think carefully about the venues for these grand finals. This place is two hours from the city center. If I’m lucky, I’ll be back at the hotel at 3 am.
