Some Nottingham Forest fans say they did not get into the stadium for Saturday’s FA Cup tie until half-time as photos show huge crowds waiting outside the City Ground around kick-off. The club apologised to “thousands” of supporters who were left waiting to enter the ground, meaning they missed most of the first half of the match against Luton Town.
Other fans said they didn’t get in until half-time. In an official statement, Forest said turnstiles were closed for the Upper Bridgford stand due to safety concerns over “persistent and stubborn icy conditions”. Photos taken by supporters show what appears to be thousands of people waiting outside as the game kicked off at 3pm.
One fan posted an image on social media of a large queue stretching all the way down Colwick Road and claimed he got into the stadium at 3.40pm – five minutes before half-time. Another supporter said she arrived at 2.30pm but was left waiting for more than an hour, meaning she missed the first half.
“The start could have been delayed as they clearly knew about the issue,” she posted on Facebook. Another described the situation as a “joke”.
He said: “Didn’t get in the stand until half time due to ice on the stand. Biggest joke I’ve ever heard! Should have postponed the game but no they don’t care about us fans who paid good money.”
Supporters queue for the Upper Bridgford stand along Colwick Road
(Image: Submitted)
The club said the “vast majority” of supporters were inside the City Ground within 10 minutes of the 3pm kick-off. “Despite regular gritting ahead of kick off, persistent and stubborn icy conditions on the vomitories dictated that a small number of turnstiles providing access to the Upper Bridgford stand had to be closed in the interests of the safety of supporters,” the club said.
“Thankfully the vast majority of fans were inside the stadium within ten minutes of kick off, but the club wishes to apologise sincerely to those fans who were inconvenienced as a result of this issue. The safety and security of our staff and supporters is our number one priority on matchdays.” Nuno Espírito Santo’s side ran out 2-0 winners in the third round of the cup, thanks to goals from Ryan Yates and Ramón Sosa.
The draw for the fourth round of the competition takes place after the conclusion of the game between Arsenal and Manchester United on Sunday, January 12 (3pm kick-off).