Travelling Liverpool fans face nightmare journey after Arsenal tie

Liverpool supporters have been warned to expect Christmas travel disruption after their Friday night clash with Arsenal. The last train home departs just after the second half kicks off.

Visiting fans will face a nightmare journey home as train strikes and road closures look set to influence travel times significantly.

The last direct train from London to Liverpool leaves Euston Station half an hour before the match finishes.

Virgin Trains are running a reduced service as part of industrial action across the Christmas period.

The last service between the capital and Liverpool will now depart at 9:07pm, just after the second half begins at the Emirates.

Supporters only have one other viable alternative, which is to board the later indirect service that leaves London at 11pm. It is scheduled to stop in Manchester for three hours, only getting into Liverpool at 5:30am the next morning.

The fixture between the two clubs, previously scheduled for Saturday, was moved to the Friday night to avoid a Christmas Eve fixture, with Sky Sports keen to broadcast the game live.

Liverpool will have approximately 3,000 fans in the away end. There are also expected to be road closures in the close vicinity to the stadium that fans will have to contend with.

"We would like to advise supporters to arrive at the stadium early as delays might be possible if they are travelling through the area," a club statement said.

"Turnstiles will open one and a half hours before kick-off to allow plenty of time for access. There will be full searches and ticket inspections before entry.

"Fans should be aware that there are no left-luggage facilities at the Emirates."