Graham Smyth is furious with London North Eastern Railway after they announced a ticket increase for Leeds United fans who want to return to Yorkshire after the midweek FA Cup match against Chelsea next week.
Daniel Farke’s side will go to Stamford Bridge in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Wednesday, February 28.
However, as pointed out by Leeds supporter Sam Jacobs on X, there is only one train from London to Leeds after the match, leaving at 11:33pm and costing an exorbitant £218.65 for return tickets.
LNER’s official X account then responded, confirming that the train is fully booked but still encouraging Leeds supporters to purchase their favorite tickets.
“Hello. That service is fully booked, so you’d have to buy an anytime ticket (the most costly) to board, which explains the price disparity. “I apologize for this,” stated LNER.
Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Smyth was evidently taken aback by the update, calling it “rank” on his personal X account on 21 February.
Leeds United supporters ripped off by rail operator for FA Cup match
It is really awful that businesses are permitted to do this. It appears like LNER is attempting to rip off Leeds fans (and football enthusiasts in general) by raising their costs.
What’s even more ludicrous is that they’re willing to overcrowd a train that’s already full.
This country is in such disarray right now, and cries for nationalized train services will continue to be heard as long as private enterprises are allowed to do so.
However, no one in power appears to care. None of them cares as long as they get their big paycheck at the end of the month.
It would be fantastic if the FA or the Premier League gave up some of their millions to help subsidise rail travel if these corporations are permitted to continue ripping people off.
They will argue that football is for the fans, but in the end, it is all about money for them and companies like LNER.
