Western Australian football fans have been rocked after train chaos in Perth left thousands of fans stranded ahead of a friendly between AC Milan and AS Roma at Optus Stadium.
More than 50,000 fans were expected to attend the match but 45 minutes before kick-off, half of Perth’s train lines were hit with unexpected technical issues.
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Transperth, the agency that administers the public transport system in Perth quickly released a series of statements.
At 7.19pm, Transperth posted: “Trains on the Armadale Line are currently delayed due to a technical issue.
“Trains will continue to run however they will not be running to the regular schedule.
“Please allow extra travelling time and be aware that delayed trains may not connect with timetabled bus and train services.”
Just three minutes later, the agency posted on its website: “Trains on the Fremantle and Midland Lines are currently delayed due to a technical issue.
“Trains will continue to run however they will not be running to the regular schedule.
“Please allow extra travelling time and be aware that delayed trains may not connect with timetabled bus and train services.”
Podcast and football channel The Far Post Perth took to social media during warm ups where it was clear plenty more people still had to arrive, writing: “Warm ups are underway but word is there’s thousands of fans stuck in the city waiting for trains.”
Fans were fuming, lashing out at 40 minute waits.
The same fan posted: “Ugly, ugly scenes at Perth Station. Thousands of people are choking the platforms and growing angrier by the second.”
Another fan commented: “@Transperth we are looking at missing the start of the soccer at Optus. Not your finest hour. Any explanation due. Would you like to explain to a 6 and 8 year old they have been waiting for an hour at the train station?”
Although the match between the two Italian powerhouses is just a friendly, both teams are coming off strong Serie A seasons.
AC Milan finished second in the competition behind arch rivals Inter Milan.
AS Roma on the other hand just missed Champions League qualification, finishing sixth in the Serie A.
But it was Roma who opened the scoring through Tommaso Baldanzi in the 27th minute.
It’s the first time the teams have met in Australia.