The Football Supporters’ Association says the decision is to ‘target’ football fans.
The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) has condemned the decision to run dry trains from London to Newcastle after the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.
Newcastle make the trip to Wembley as they go in search of their first major trophy in almost 70 years and are expected to travel in huge numbers.
However their trip home will feel slightly different – win or lose – as they will not be able to consume any alcoholic drinks on the way back.
An announcement from London North Eastern Railway (LNER) confirmed that all trains travelling from London King’s Cross to Newcastle after 7pm will be dry trains, meaning no alcohol will be permitted on board.
Kick-off at Wembley Stadium is 4:30pm, meaning that thousands of Newcastle fans are expected to catch later trains.
A tweet from the FSA criticised the decision, saying: “We’ve long been opposed to dry trains that target football fans for just being football fans on a day out.
“This move from LNER for the League Cup final won’t achieve much and has completely misread the mood amongst #NUFC fans, which will be celebratory regardless.”
We've long been opposed to dry trains that target football fans for just being football fans on a day out.
This move from LNER for the League Cup final won't achieve much & has completely misread the mood amongst #NUFC fans, which will be celebratory regardless. https://t.co/D2M3FXciY4
— The FSA (@WeAreTheFSA) February 22, 2023
LNER responded to the tweet themselves, saying: “The decision has been taken in co-operation with the British Transport Police to prevent any unnecessary antisocial behaviour, fuelled by alcohol. We want fans to enjoy themselves, but not at the risk of injury to other customers or our colleagues.”
We will have additional security and Transport Police in place at London King's Cross to assist our colleagues and manage the capacity levels on services to ensure everyone travelling with us, for football or not, gets to their destination safely & enjoys their journey. ^Cameron
— London North Eastern Railway (@LNER) February 22, 2023
Avanti West Coast – the company that is likely to take many Manchester United fans down to the capital – doesn’t seem to have implemented a similar policy.
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