Backlash as travel operator tells Everton fans 'get your steps in'

Backlash as Everton fans told 'get your steps in'

22 minutes ago Share Save David Humphreys Local Democracy Reporting Service Jenny Coleman BBC News, Liverpool Share Save

Liverpool City Council The final test event at the Hill Dickinson stadium in Liverpool takes place on Saturday

There has been backlash from Everton fans after they were told to "get their steps in" by a transport operator and walk about 30 minutes to the club's new ground. Merseytravel has suggested supporters could walk to the Hill Dickinson stadium on Saturday for the friendly against AS Roma from Moorfields station in Liverpool town centre. Most fans are expected to use Sandhills train station, which is closer to the new ground, but the operator has warned it would be "extremely busy". The suggestion of walking from further out has been met with ridicule online, with some calling it "embarrassing" and a "shambles".

@SG_EFC Previous test events raised concerns about how people would get to and from the stadium

The friendly, which kicks off at 15:00 BST, is the final test event at the new ground and will be the first time the 52,769-seater venue will be operating at near full capacity. Previous test events at the ground left many fans concerned at the lack of public transport and a parking scheme in streets around the ground has also led to confusion and anger. In a post on X Merseytravel said: "Heading to the Everton v AS Roma double-header this weekend? "Everton Stadium is just 30 mins walk from Moorfields station – a great opportunity to get your steps in for the day and soak up the atmosphere for the big game!"

'Only in Liverpool'

The suggestion was called into question by a number of people on social media, who described transport issues with the new stadium as a "shambles" and "embarrassing". One person said: "This is all well and good for young people and those who are able to walk long distances. What about those who struggle to walk long distances?" Another said: "Get your steps in as if you're doing us a favour." Others joked: "Just a mere seven-hour walk from nearby Southport railway station", and "A great opportunity to swim across the Mersey". "Only in Liverpool does the travel service tell you to walk," another added. Managing Director at Merseyrail, Neil Grabham, said a "robust plan" was in place with extra services and staff across the network, adding "customers should expect the network to be very busy on Saturday". "Like train stations near other major football stadiums across the UK, Sandhills station will be extremely busy on matchdays," he said. "Customers can help us, to help them, by planning ahead, allowing extra time for journeys, and considering alternative routes in case of unexpected disruption".

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