The FA Cup final has been hit by travel chaos after the union representing train drivers announced strike action on the day of Manchester United’s clash at Wembley with Manchester City.
Tens of thousands of Mancunians are expected to descend on the capital for the match, on Saturday June 3, with fans set to arrive from all corners of the country.
But the train network is set to be largely out of action for many after the union Aslef rejected the latest offer from operators in a dispute over pay and conditions.
A total of 15 train companies will experience disruption on June 3, as well on other strike days May 12 and May 31 following an announcement on Thursday.
Drivers for Avanti West Coast, which operates the main direct service between Manchester and London, are among those striking.
Walkouts are also expected at: Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, London North Eastern Railway, Northern Trains, Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express, SWR depot drivers, SWR Island Line, TransPennine Express and West Midands Trains.
The Football Association (FA) and both clubs are said to be discussing their options as a result of the industrial action, with both United and City handed 30,000 tickets for the FA Cup final.
The match had already been brought forward to a 3pm kick-off under police orders, having been initially pinned for a 5.30pm start time.
The Rail Delivery Group described their offer to Aslef as “fair and reasonable” but union bosses felt it was “risible”.
