ash cloud worries recede

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ASH WORRIES RECEDE FOR FULHAM

By Duncan Bech, Press Association Sport
Atletico Madrid 6/5 Draw 9/4 Fulham 12/5


Fulham expect no disruption to their travel plans for the Europa League final after fears that the volcanic ash cloud would spread eased on Monday.

The club, who had drawn up alternative arrangements in case the situation deteriorated, will fly to Hamburg from London as scheduled on Tuesday morning.

Flights between London and Hamburg were running as normal on Monday, saving supporters travelling to Wednesday's final from the nightmare prospect of finding a different route.

Manager Roy Hodgson urged UEFA to consider postponing the match if the ash caused more travel chaos.

The Cottagers faced a gruelling 12-hour coach trip to Germany last month for the first leg of their semi-final against Hamburg after European airspace was shut down following eruptions in Iceland.

Airports across France, Spain, northern Italy and Germany were closed on Sunday as the cloud drifted, but by this morning they had reopened.

As a precaution, Fulham's opponents Atletico departed for Germany on Monday - 24 hours earlier than planned.

Meanwhile, Fulham were with a new, "very limited", allocation of tickets for the final.

Supporters were furious after the initial 12,650 allocation - the same number also given to Atletico - sold out within four hours, prompting the club to request more.

The shortage occurred because season ticket holders were able to buy up to four tickets for the final.

In their defence the club said they were surprised by the "unprecedented demand" for tickets.

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