Gelsenkirchen takes actions following transport disorder
Following the England versus Serbia match at EM-Stadion in Gelsenkirchen, the post-game departure of fans was problematic. Authorities are making changes to rectify the situation. On Thursday, Italy and Spain will square off at the same venue. (21:00/ZDF, MagentaTV and live at ntv.de) There was a meeting with DB Regio and VRR transport companies regarding the second game in Arena AufSchalke between title defenders Italy and Spain on Thursday. "Adjustments will be made to expand and optimize the transportation options," said Weßels.
After England's victory against Serbia (1:0), many English fans voiced complaints on social media that it took over two hours to reach Gelsenkirchen's main train station post-match. According to Weßels, 29,500 spectators were transported to the city center via buses and trains, and an additional 5,500 were taken to the second central district of Buer. 45 trains and 50 buses were utilized. Compared to Schalke 04 games, significantly more spectators used public transportation - also due to significantly increased parking lot prices.
For Thursday's game, the direct connection to Essen's main train station will be strengthened, "to ensure people can leave the city after 1 am," said Weßels. In addition, the official fan meeting point in the city center will reopen. Security concerns forced its closure during the England game.
Weßels anticipates "entirely different transportation streams" for the second game. Out of the 10,000 tickets sold to Azzurri fans, only 4,000 went to Italy. "It's assumed that more people will arrive by car," said Weßels.
The English fan organization FSA fiercely criticized the circumstances surrounding the arrival and departure to the Serbia game. "We are shocked about what the fans had to endure," read a statement. Fans expressed that it was "simply absurd that fans were still in Gelsenkirchen's main train station three hours after the game's end due to transportation issues." They were also "appalled" that fans who relied on accessibility could not disembark at the designated and prepared stop. "This situation demonstrates a callous disregard for the needs of people with disabilities."
The FSA had discussed these issues with the city of Gelsenkirchen in advance. "With great disappointment, we had to witness that reality didn't live up to the promises made." It is "urgent and essential to conduct a comprehensive review of the preparations, draw conclusions, and implement dramatic improvement measures." It appears that this is happening now.
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In light of these challenges, authorities are closely monitoring the European Football Championship 2024 preparations in Gelsenkirchen to avoid similar traffic issues. Locals should be aware of potential road closures and alternative routes during Italy and Spain's match, scheduled for 21:00 on Thursday, as the city gears up to welcome soccer fans to Gelsenkirchen's EM-Stadion.
