Police advice to fans heading to Madrid

30 May 2019, 09:14 | Updated: 30 May 2019, 09:21

Merseyside Police has issued the following advice to Liverpool fans ahead of the Champions League Final.

Superintendent Paul White, said: “We want every fan to have a safe and enjoyable experience in Madrid and we have been working closely with the Metropolitan Police, National Police Chiefs Council, Spanish police, Liverpool Football Club and supporter groups ahead of Saturday night’s game. A number of dedicated football officers from Merseyside Police will also be travelling to Spain to liaise with Spanish Police to help LFC supporters have a fantastic time and enjoy the game.

"The team has done the city proud and now we want to work with fans to showcase to the rest of the world the passion of fans for the game. LFC has fans all over the world who will be rooting for the team on Saturday night and we want the focus to be on the game and everyone to enjoy a good night of football.

“I know that a lot of fans will be travelling from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, particularly on Friday and Saturday morning, and I would ask that people remain sensible to ensure that everybody is able to get on their flights safely and promptly.

“Whilst we understand and appreciate why many Liverpool fans will want to travel to Madrid even without a ticket, I would continue to urge fans who don't have tickets not to go to Madrid. There is no designated screen area in the Fan Zones in Madrid where the match is being shown.

“Felipe II square (also known as Salvador Dalí square) in Madrid is the nominated Liverpool FC fanzone for fans with tickets for the game. The nearest Metro stop for Liverpool fans is Goya Station where you can take a direct train on Line 2 (red line) to Las Rosas. There is a short walk to the stadium from Las Rosas station.

"There will be activities, food, drink and music at the Fan Zone during the day of the match and the Fan Zone will close at 6pm when supporters with tickets will be expected to make their way to the stadium and enjoy the atmosphere. We would advise fans to arrive early as entry will be slow due to robust security check which will be conducted at the stadium. The outer perimeter of the stadium opens at 4pm and entry to the stadium itself well be from 6pm. We would encourage those going to the game to monitor official fan advice on LFC's official site and social media feeds for information and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is also providing advice for fans travelling to Madrid on its website https://www.gov.uk/government/news/liverpool-fc-vs-tottenham-hotspur-fc-travel-advice

"The recommended route for supporters to reach the Metropolitano Stadium is by public transport such as the Madrid Metro and Liverpool fans with general tickets will access the stadium through gate 3, located at the South end of the stadium (FONDO SUR). There will be no public parking facilities available at or near the stadium for private cars, coaches, motorbikes, mopeds, bicycles or scooters. Download the official Champions League Final leaflet on the official Champions League website https://finalmadrid2019.esmadrid.com/?lang=en for detailed information about Fan Zones and recommended metro lines to get to the stadium for both sets of supporters."

Superintendent Paul White added: "There will be no live screening of the match in the Fan Zones or Festival areas. Fans should not travel with the assumption that they will be able to get a ticket on arrival. Ticket touting is illegal in Spain and penalties include heavy fines. There will also be two lines of checks on tickets at the stadium."

"We want travelling fans to have a trip to remember and stories to tell to the kids and grandkids in the future of the 2019 Champions League Final. We would like to offer some advice to travellers to ensure your Champions League Final journey is a safe one."

Traveller Tips for fans travelling to Madrid

• As in any other city beware of pickpockets and bag snatchers at airports, railway stations, around the town centre and when using public transport such as the metro. Only carry what you need and leave spare cash and valuables in hotel safety deposits
• Madrid’s weather in June can be very hot and sunny with temperatures often over 30ºC (86ºF). It is advisable to avoid being directly in the sun at midday and late afternoon unless you use sun cream and head protection
• In Madrid, drinking alcohol in the street and on the Metro is illegal and you can be fined or arrested for doing so. Letting off flares around the city (including Fan Zones) is illegal. The Spanish Police have the right to intervene and confiscate flares, and can deny access to the match if any these laws are violated. For your own safety and that of others, please follow instructions from the police at all times
• Please keep tickets to the match securely in your possession. It has been known for thieves to target ticket holders to steal and then sell them on the black market. If tickets are lost or stolen, they will not be re-printed and you won't be able to access to the stadium
• Spanish Police in collaboration with the clubs will be launching a service called FIT (Fan Information Team) the day before the match on Twitter (@FITPolicia). This will be an information channel in English providing fans with real time news about the event, general information, security messages, etc. Please note that this will not be an emergency channel. See below for contact details for the emergency service
• Please visit the https://finalmadrid2019.esmadrid.com/?lang=en regularly for any updates, in particular practical information for fans travelling to Madrid
• Like all major cities, Madrid could be a target for terrorist attacks. The Spanish authorities take measures to protect visitors, but you should be vigilant at all times and follow their instructions. The advice from UK Counter Terrorism Policing is that if you are caught up in an incident anywhere OUTSIDE of a stadium, Run, Hide, Tell. If there is an incident INSIDE a stadium, listen carefully to the PA system and follow the directions of staff. If told to evacuate, do not wait around to film on your mobile but move quickly away from the stadium to allow clear access for emergency services. For further information go to the foreign and commonwealth website https://www.gov.uk/government/news/liverpool-fc-vs-tottenham-hotspur-fc-travel-advice