Fans offered refunds over Tube strike

ENGLAND face the prospect of playing in front of a half-empty Wembley tonight after fans were offered refunds because of the Tube strike.

Industrial action on the London Underground will severely restrict supporters’ travel options, while road and rail networks are expected to be swollen by extra passengers.

The Football Association said no additional transport would be provided, and warned fans to “prepare for a disrupted journey”.

Ticket sales were halted last week at 70,000, as the strike threat loomed large. If a third of fans with tickets choose to stay away, the attendance would be little more than 45,000 – half the capacity.

It had been feared that England might have to play the game behind closed doors, amid concerns that traffic congestion could hamper access for emergency services.

But after crisis talks between the FA, police, Brent Council and Transport for London the match was given the go-ahead, with turnstiles to be opened early at 5.45pm.

FA chief executive Ian Watmore said: “We recommend that supporters plan to travel to Wembley as early as possible and prepare for a disrupted journey.”