Wales vs Belgium: Uefa announce match to go ahead as planned as Welsh fans stranded at Eurotunnel in Folkestone

Severe delays on the Eurotunnel shuttle services around midday now means some fans are almost certain to miss kick-off in Lille

Samuel Stevens
Friday 01 July 2016 11:55 EDT
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Some of the lucky Wales supporters who made it to France
Some of the lucky Wales supporters who made it to France (Getty)

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Uefa have confirmed tonight’s European Championship quarter-final between Wales and Belgium will kick-off as scheduled at 8pm GMT despite some Welsh supporters being stranded at Folkestone.

Severe delays on the Eurotunnel shuttle services around midday now means some fans, including singer Cerys Matthews, are almost certain to miss kick-off in Lille, northern France.

A statement from Uefa, the European football governing body, said: “It appears that the vast majority of fans with tickets will arrive on time at the stadium in Lille.”

Reports in Wales now suggest Eurotunnel chiefs may arrange for a big screen to be hastily installed at the terminals to facilitate for the supporters who may not be able to travel to the match.

Speaking via the Welsh FA’s official Facebook page, manager Chris Coleman said: “The team and I are aware of the issues fans are experiencing at the Eurotunnel. We understand that the authorities are doing what they can to get fans to France.

“We know a lot of people have gone the extra mile to come over and your efforts at this frustrating time is very much appreciated. We know that we have your full support for tonight's game.”

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