The delays getting in have been blamed on fans arriving ‘very late’
17:14, 23 Jul 2025Updated 21:32, 23 Jul 2025
Queues at the Emirates Old Trafford on Wednesday morning(Image: Reach Sport)
Bosses have apologised after cricket fans complained of ‘crazy’ queues getting into Emirates Old Trafford for the start of the England v India test match.
The ground is hosting the five-day game, the fourth encounter in the so far epic five-match series between the countries.
Play on day one began at 11am this morning (Wednesday). However, on the TV coverage there were large visible gaps in the stands as the first overs were bowled.
Supporters said this was due to ‘shameful’ queues to get inside, which ‘snaked all around the ground.’
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Some said they waited almost an hour, with several taking to social media to vent their frustration.
Adam Bond said on X, formerly Twitter: “The organisation today @EmiratesOT is horrendous. Every queue to get in must be around 2miles long. So many waiting to get in. What’s gone on?!”
A ‘beer snake’ in the stands(Image: Reach Sport)
Martin McQuillan said: “Crazy queue outside Old Trafford, all along Great Talbot Rd, 15 minutes after start of play. What on earth is going on @lancscricket? A lot of frustrated and unhappy fans. No explanation, of course.”
John Lewis said: “Almost an hour queuing up to get into @EmiratesOT for day 1. Really poor show.”
Matt said: “Ground is empty because of chaos outside and queues over half a mile long outside Gates 10/11. Staff outside saying ‘well, everyone just turned up’. Dangerous.”Whilst John Brewin said: “If you’re wondering why nobody is in their seats at Old Trafford it’s because they are all stuck outside due to a chaotic security system.
Signs warning fans they could be thrown out if they start one(Image: Reach Sport)
“Queues snaked all round the ground. Fail to prepare and all that.”Graham Moore described it as a ‘farce.’ “Suggest everyone gets up very early tomorrow if they don’t want to miss the match!!” he said.A spokesman for Lancashire County Cricket Club (LCCC) said: “We are aware that some supporters experienced queues getting into Emirates Old Trafford this morning, which we apologise for.
“We saw nearly 9,000 supporters arrive at the ground very late despite encouraging early arrival, with all bags subject to searches on entry.“The Club will be looking at increasing the number of gates for the rest of the Test Match.
“We strongly encourage ticket buyers to only bring bags if required, and if doing so to arrive as early as possible.
“Gates will be open at 9am for the rest of the game.”
Meanwhile, fans have been warned they risk being ejected if they start ‘beer snakes.’
For fans at England matches and big Lancs fixtures adding to ‘beer snakes’ – huge chains of stacked plastic beer cups, sometimes spanning the entire length of the stand – has become a comic pastime during breaks in play.
Videos from today’s game showed ‘beer snakes’ being started, with an eyewitness saying stewards had been intervening.
Signs in the stands at Old Trafford read: “The stacking of drink cups to form a ‘beer snake’ is prohibited within the stadium.
“Any person stacking drink cups for this reason will be ejected from the stadium.”
The LCCC spokesman said: “If there’s anti social behaviour that’s taking place in the stands, supporters will be warned about their behaviour.”