‘Away Goals – Euro Chimes’ – what is this?
I have explained what this is in ‘Away Goals – Euro Chimes’: Help Part 1, but for a recap – or to read that, and it will help to read it, click here…
So, after viewing Part 1, Getting around and to the ground – again click above to read this and Part 2, Eating and Drinking – click here, we move onto the next interesting read. Here are some ‘helpful tips’, which are again supplied by Ken as should be published in ‘Away Goals – Euro Chimes’…
PLAY UP POMPEY!
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Tips
After the game
At the time of going to press, it seems likely that there will be NO public transport available after the game!
ISL Tours (www.isltours.co.uk) are running coaches from Porto and back. Contact Malc on +44 7710 799925 A S A P to see if there is any space left.
Don’t be late!
Gates open at 8pm. Our gates (PORTA) are 14,15,16 and 17. Expect a thorough search by police and stewards before you reach the turnstiles. So the advice is – get there early. Non-alcoholic refreshments will be available inside.
Prohibited items should only be the standard UEFA list ie any objects/substances that are likely to be used in acts of violence, or alcohol or fireworks of any kind. (Coins should be OK, flags [without poles] are OK – I’m not sure what they think of bells and bugles).
I know that Pompey fans in general, don’t drink, but for the few that do, I must mention that UEFA rules also state: access is forbidden to known or potential troublemakers, or persons who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
A word of warning
England fans encountered a black market ticket scam in this part of the country during the 2004 Euros. Genuine tickets were taken from an envelope to show the mug, sorry, customer and then returned to the envelope whilst the money changed hands. Surprise, surprise, when the envelope was later opened, it was empty.
PFC are confident that the generous allocation of tickets (we have the whole North Stand) means that there should be no need for anyone to buy from touts BUT should any Pompey fans be found in the home sections, the police say that they will be ejected, NOT moved to the away sector.
Hold back at the end
We’ve been told by the police that Portsmouth fans will be held in the stands for a minimum of 15 minutes at the end of the game. We are assured that announcements regarding the hold back and any other arrangements to assist our fans, will be made in English (that’s useful!). This delay will be kept to a minimum.
Stewards
PFC are supplying a team of stewards to assist en route to Portugal and the game and also in and around the stadium. They will generally wear their bibs before and after the match. Vitoria have welcomed this initiative as it has worked well when other English clubs have played in Europe.
Other Tips
ATMs are plentiful.
Banks do not close for lunch.
Public toilets are very few and far between but all cafes/restaurants/bars must by law have toilet facilities.
Larger establishments have a person who looks after the toilets (usually a woman) who sits outside at a table with a collecting plate. Shrapnel will suffice.
So, why should YOU join the FSF?
Whether you realise it or not, the FSF are fighting your corner all of the time.
The debacle that was the Champions’ League Final in Athens – the FSF were there and have collected statements and presented a report to UEFA. If we reach the final of this tournament in Turkey we will be better treated there because of the FSF.
Safe standing issues, ticket allocations, prices, kick-off times, the list is endless. We’re working on all of them.
There are two Pompey die-hards on the FSF National Council and two more that regularly work on the England Fans’ Embassies.
We need YOU in the FSF today. You can sign up on line at www.fsf.org.uk for just £14 a year. Your membership helps us to help you. Your voice counts. Go on, you know it makes sense!
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