Crystal Palace and Leeds United fans travelling to the Premier League fixture at Selhurst Park next month may be affected by upcoming planned rail strikes.
The Eagles welcome Jesse Marsch's side to Selhurst Park on Sunday, October 9 in a 2pm kick-off. But with the National Union of Rail, Maritime, and Transport Workers (RMT) announcing on Thursday afternoon that '40,000 RMT members from Network Rail and 15 train operating companies will take to picket lines' the day before, it could have an impact on fans' travel.
A statement released from the RMT press office on Thursday read: "RAIL UNION RMT has announced that railway workers will walk out across the country on October 8 in the ongoing fight over jobs, pay, and working conditions. Over 40,000 RMT members from Network Rail and 15 train operating companies will take to picket lines, effectively shutting down the railway network."
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It is not yet known whether there could be a knock-on effect on travel for people the following day, depending on whether early morning train times on the Sunday are affected by where railway workers are striking.
If that is the case, it may impact Leeds United fans' travel to London and any Palace supporters travelling from afar.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch has confirmed that new transport secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP had met with the union but no new offer had been tabled so trikes will go ahead.
Lynch said: “We welcome this more positive approach from the government to engage with us as a first step to finding a suitable settlement. However, as no new offer has been tabled, our members have no choice but to continue this strike action. We will continue to negotiate in good faith, but the employers and government need to understand our industrial campaign will continue for as long as it takes."
Palace's recent fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion was postponed due to similar strikes, although the strike action was cancelled following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on September 8. The game did not go ahead, despite the cancellation of the strikes.
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