BREAKING: Heartbreak for travelling Welsh fans stranded for huge quarter-final clash

SEVERE delays around the Eurotunnel have hit groups of Welsh fans travelling to France for the biggest game of their lives.

By Harry Kemble

DELAY: Groups of fans face the prospect of missing the quarter-final clash

The supporters have been in standstill in Folkestone, Kent, since midday when delays hit Eurotunnel shuttle services.

With kick-off at 8pm they are almost certain to miss part of the game in Lille, France.

Uefa – European football’s governing body – has refused to delay the start of the quarter-final because of the delays.

The last time Wales reached this stage at an international tournament was in 1958 when they played Brazil.

SEVERE: Supporters have been in standstill since midday

6 hr delay at Euro tunnel today hot to feel sorry for the stranded Welsh fans

— John Dunne (@john_dunne) July 1, 2016

Manager Chris Coleman said: “The team and I are aware of the issues fans are experiencing at the Eurotunnel

“We understand that the authorities are doing what they can to get fans to France.

“We know a lot of people have gone the extra mile to come over and your efforts at this frustrating time is very much appreciated. We know that we have your full support for tonight's game.”

Update: In the UK we have a 1 hour wait pre Check-in & up to 5 hours to booked departure times. In France there is a 30 mins delay. ^ST

— Eurotunnel LeShuttle (@LeShuttle) July 1, 2016

Update. Our train IS MOVING. Alleluia.Now,taking in the time difference, how long do we have 2get 2Lille?#folkestone#fawales #UEFAEURO2016

— Cerys Matthews (@cerysmatthews) July 1, 2016

Eurotunnel's John O'Keefe has apologised to Welsh fans affected by the delays – and said his colleagues were "doing everything we can" to get the Welsh fans to the game. 

He told Kent Online: He said: “A lot of the disruption relates to an event in the tunnel when we had a train fail.

“We were running with low capacity compared to the volume of traffic and during the day we’ve had a huge number of Welsh fans trying to get to Lille.

“What we’re trying to do is ensure we get the Welsh fans away and we have put on a series of extra departures to make sure that happens.

“We have got everyone working, pulling their fingers out, to get people away.

“We apologise for the delay that everyone is suffering.

“We are doing everything we can. Please be patient. We will do everything we can.”

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