Crystal Palace are in a European semi-final on Thursday night. Yes, Crystal Palace are in a European semi-final.
Less than two decades on from administration in 2010 and the very real prospect of extinction, the Eagles – who want Joao Gomes – face Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk across two legs for a spot in the UEFA Conference League final.
Amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the tie will take place in Poland at the Henryk Reyman Municipal Stadium, and there are some important details for Crystal Palace fans to be aware of.
Those with tickets for both the home and away end must sit in the home end
With the first leg taking place at a neutral venue, Crystal Palace fans were allowed to purchase tickets in the home end on the official Shakhtar Donetsk website before the Eagles put tickets for the away end on sale.
Some supporters opted to buy tickets in the home end as a precaution just in case they were unable to secure seats in the away end.
However, those in possession of both types of tickets must sit in the home end – provided both tickets were purchased using the same passport number.
Shakhtar Donetsk – who possess a real danger man in Alisson Santana – have added that the away ticket will not be refunded either.
Regardless of where you expect to sit, fans are also being asked to bring their passport with them to the stadium.
Those without a passport – or those who have a passport but it does not match up to the name on their ticket – may not be allowed to enter.
Friday 1st May is a Polish Bank Holiday
Secondly, Crystal Palace fans need to know that Friday 1st May – and Sunday 3rd May for that matter – are Bank Holidays in Poland.
It means some modes of transport are expected to run on different schedules, while restaurants and other services might be closed.
Supporters are being encouraged to double-check their plans and ensure the Bank Holidays will not cause any inconvenience.
Shakhtar Donetsk v Crystal Palace
- Thursday 30th April
- 20:00 BST/21:00 CEST local time
- UEFA Conference League semi-final (first leg)
- Henryk Reyman Municipal Stadium
