An MS has demanded that the Welsh Government takes action to end the “chaos” on trains endured by football fans travelling to Wales matches.

Llyr Gruffydd, who represents North Wales in the Senedd, challenged Mark Drakeford to resolve the issue, which has been a source of immense frustration to supporters in the Red Wall from the region.

Questioning the First Minister in the Senedd, the Plaid Cymru politician took aim at the “shambles” that greeted supporters from North Wales on the trains as they tried to travel to watch Wales take on Croatia at the Cardiff City Stadium in a Euro 2024 qualifier.

Mr Gruffydd wants to make sure “this won’t happen again” when Wales faces Turkey in its next qualifying fixture, which takes place on November 21.

Llyr Gruffydd MS said: “I want to raise specifically with you the chaos on the trains as football supporters from north Wales tried to travel down to watch Wales playing Croatia recently.

“It was a total shambles. There was a special train service put on for those supporters from the south who wanted to go to Wrexham to watch the game against Gibraltar, but no corresponding service for those travelling from the north who wanted to see the national team playing in Cardiff.

MOST READ:

“Some of the trains were so full that there were people left on the platform at Abergavenny, and at the stations afterwards, literally unable to get on the train. People on the trains literally couldn't reach the toilets.

“This isn't something that's only happened once, is it; it happens almost every time. And one feels that there is a total failure when it comes to making arrangements for major events, particularly when people and supporters from the north want to come down to Cardiff to see football games."

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “TfW have apologised for the issues caused due to limited services being available for fans travelling from North Wales for the Croatia game.

“The Wales vs Turkey match will take place on a Tuesday evening and TfW will be providing 6 train services from North Wales prior to the game, all of which are planned to have a minimum of 3-carriages, with a special service after the match travelling to Wrexham."