Gloucester Rugby fans have been left stranded in Italy after snow caused flights to be cancelled. Fans were attempting to fly home after Gloucester’s 33-26 victory over Zebre in the European Challenge Cup.
The majority of the travelling Cherry and Whites had intended to fly to Birmingham from Bologna airport late on Sunday night but the inclement weather has left many of them left in Bologna and Milan. The snow storm that affected large parts of the Midlands and South West caused lots of problems on Sunday with trains and buses being cancelled throughout the day.
Fans used Twitter to vent their frustration and document their Italian adventure with airline British Airways using the platform to apologise for the inconvenience caused by the weather.
Some flights will be disrupted today due to crew and aircraft being out of position following yesterday’s weather. Please check your flight status on https://t.co/2Ty8CEO0Dq ahead of travelling to the airport.
— British Airways (@British_Airways) December 11, 2017
30 hours in at Bologna Airport. Captain arrives to fly us home but tells us he’s taking the plane to Pisa! Chuffing outstanding @British_Airways !
Feel like John Candy trying to get home for Christmas.. #glawsfamily
— Andy Tee (@AndyTee1) December 11, 2017
Great weekend in Parma. Flight home cancelled last night. Hoping to get back in time for Saturday’s return match!#glawsfamily #ZebreRugby #Zebrefamily
— Wallace Dobbin (@Bassboy58) December 11, 2017
Gloucester had earlier come from behind to secure an away bonus point with two tries from Ollie Thorley adding to scores from Owen Williams, Ruan Ackerman and Richard Hibbard. Zebre had led 19-14 at half-time and gained a losing bonus point with a late try from Ciaran Gaffney.
The fans left stranded will be looking to fly home on Monday or Tuesday and will hope to be home in time for Saturday’s reverse fixture when Zebre will visit Kingholm for the fourth round of pool games.