In Frankfurt am Main, Germany, soccer fans were spotted using public transport to get to the UEFA EURO 2024 Group E match between Belgium and Slovakia at the Deutsche Bank Park Arena. The fans traveled to the stadium in anticipation of the game.
After the match between Albania and Italy in Dortmund, journalist Paul Brown experienced a train reroute due to stones on the tracks, causing a delay in his arrival in Dusseldorf. Despite this, he enjoyed a late-night kebab at the shop of former Germany international Lukas Podolski before heading back to his Airbnb. Brown’s experience was an exception in Germany, as fans and media faced frustration due to organizational chaos and extensive transport delays during Euro 2024.
Despite the excitement of fans for the tournament, issues with getting to and from the stadiums were highlighted. Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s railway, faced criticism for canceled, delayed, and overcrowded trains. This resulted in concerns among fans and media regarding the reliability of the German rail system.
The challenges extended to regional transport as well, with incidents occurring in Cologne and Munich causing delays for supporters attending matches. Despite UEFA’s efforts to work closely with Deutsche Bahn for discounted travel during the tournament, the problems persisted, reflecting poorly on the European governing body.
Several reasons were cited for the disarray in Germany’s public transport system during Euro 2024, including a lack of investment, amplification through social media, and challenges presented by traveling soccer fans. The issues faced during the tournament highlighted broader concerns about the direction of various sectors in Western democracies, including infrastructure and education.
As the first round of Euro 2024 concluded, chaos continued at railway stations and U-Bahn stops, causing disruption for fans traveling to and from the matches. Fans expressed disappointment in the perceived decline of German efficiency, calling attention to the need for improved infrastructure and better transport management moving forward.
