Glenavon FC offer update on German trip as chairman thanks fans

Glenavon's trip to Germany is back on after the Irish League club's travel plans were salvaged. The Lurgan Blues feared they would be left grounded by Aer Lingus' ongoing strike, with the club's outward flight from Dublin to Berlin on Friday morning having been cancelled.

Stephen McDonnel's side is scheduled to take on Erzgebirge Aue on Saturday afternoon at the Erzgebirgsstadion but players and officials were caught up in the ongoing Aer Lingus pay dispute. Around 400 flights have been cancelled up until 7 July as a result of the indefinite work-to-rule and strike action policy by pilots.

On Monday Glenavon claimed they had been left in limbo ahead of a special anniversary game against Bundesliga Third Division side Erzgebirge Aue.

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The game is set to be played on the 64th anniversary of a 1960 European Cup tie between the sides, which was cancelled after Glenavon were refused visas for the old East Germany, while Erzgebirge Aue, who were known as Wismut back then, were denied by the British embassy in Berlin.

The Aer Lingus strike prompted concerns that the game would have to be cancelled again, but now it's back on.

The club said on its website: "Glenavon FC is happy to confirm our travel plans have now been rearranged and the First Team along with club officials will travel to Germany for our friendly on Saturday 6th July against FC Erzgebirge Aue. Glenavon Football Club’s exciting pre-season friendly against Erzgebirge Aue has been rescued as Aer Lingus managed to transfer the travel party to a different flight.

"Following a period of upheaval due to the strike action with Aer Lingus Glenavon FC were propelled into a worrying and uncertain period."

Confirming the news, Chairman Glenn Emerson added: “I am delighted to confirm that thanks to the perseverance of Leigh in our office and our dedicated staff and volunteers that our travel plans are back on track. It is thanks to the hours of on hold telephone calls and passion for our club that staff have been able to ensure no fans are disappointed.

“I’d also like to thank the many fans who supported us during our plight. Without fans a football team is just a team, our fans are the passion and drive behind the game, they are what makes Glenavon a club."

Aer Lingus said in a response on Tuesday morning: "As anticipated, we are seeing more disruption to our flight schedules as a result of the ongoing IALPA industrial action.

"Our Customer Care teams are working to minimise this disruption and the serious impact this is having on our customers. This group’s travel has now been re-accommodated. Aer Lingus apologises for the serious disruption caused to customers arising from the industrial action and the stress that they have experienced."

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