Need to know
Arsenal and Manchester City go head-to-head in the Carabao Cup final with travel chaos affecting may supporters getting to Wembley Stadium
The coach fire has caused chaos for Manchester City fans(Image: @NoahpMCFC/X)
Here, Mirror Sport takes a look at the latest info on the travel chaos ahead of the Carabao Cup final between Manchester City and Arsenal…
- Major motorway collision – A significant “pile-up” crash occurred on the M1 southbound just 1.9 miles from the Wembley Stadium exit. This incident has resulted in major traffic disruption for supporters travelling the 150-mile journey from Manchester.
- Coach Fire Incident – In a separate incident, a Ridley’s coach – which was carrying Man City fans – was filmed engulfed in flames on the M6 motorway with thick smoke billowing across the road. Fans have been advised to avoid any routes using the M6 toll near Birmingham to stay clear of the crash scene.
- Wembley Access Blocked – The M1 crash is preventing many supporters from reaching Junction 1 to join the North Circular road. Consequently, many fans are currently at a complete standstill just a short distance from the stadium.
- Urgent Fan Warnings – Witnesses passing the fire on the M6, meanwhile, have taken to social media to warn fellow City fans about the mounting delays. They are urging others to seek alternative routes to ensure they arrive before the 4.30pm kick-off.
- Statement issued – A spokesperson for Ridleys Coaches said: “We can confirm an incident occurred involving one of our coaches on the M6 Toll southbound earlier today. All passengers and the driver were safely evacuated with no injuries. We are grateful to the emergency services for their swift response. The coach was carrying fans to the Carabao Cup final, and the passengers are all safely on replacement coaches to the stadium. We are working with authorities to understand the circumstances and will provide further updates as appropriate.”
- Significant Travel Delays – It remains unknown how long the disruption on both the M1 and M6 will last as emergency services manage the scenes. Fans who left early to beat the crowds are now struggling to maintain their schedules due to these unforeseen events.
- High Stakes for Supporters – Many supporters have travelled hundreds of miles to see Man City face Arsenal for the first piece of major silverware this season. The timing of the accidents occurred only hours before the final is scheduled to begin.
- City’s pursuit of silverware – The match represents a chance for Pep Guardiola to win the competition for a fifth time and bounce back from a Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid.
- Arsenal’s trophy quest – Arsenal are also looking to win the first major trophy of the season, which would maintain their hopes of winning an unprecedented quadruple as they remain in all four competitions.
- M6 fire LIVE: Click here for all the latest news and updates on the scary coach blaze
