Man Utd scramble to find last-minute jet for Atletico clash after Aeroflot flight CANCELLED amid Russia-Ukraine tension
Posted Wednesday, February 23, 2022 by Thesun.co.uk
MANCHESTER UNITED'S flight to Madrid for their Champions League clash with Atletico was cancelled at the last minute.
The Red Devils usually fly with Russian airline Aeroflot to their European games under a commercial agreement.
Manchester United's flight to Madrid with Aeroflot was cancelledCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
Cristiano Ronaldo arrives at the airport for the trip to MadridCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
But Tuesday's flight set to take off at 4pm was cancelled amid growing tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
Ralf Rangnick's men instead travelled with UK-based charter airline Titan Airways and are due to land in Madrid on Tuesday night.
The Athletic report that the decision to cancel the flight was mutual between Manchester United and Aeroflot.
The Russian airline describe themselves as 'the official carrier of Manchester United' and have been a long-time sponsor.
Russia last night sent troops into two rebel-held areas of Ukraine in a 'peacekeeping mission'.
The actions of Russian President Vladimir Putin have been condemned by the likes of Prime Minister Boris Johnson and US President Joe Biden.
Johnson also said it was 'inconceivable' that Russia could still host this season's Champions League final.
The showpiece is scheduled to take place at the Gazprom Arena in St Petersburg on May 28 - but has been thrown into doubt by Moscow's rampant aggression.
As Putin's tanks rolled into Ukraine ahead of a "full scale invasion", the PM warned Russia would become an international outcast.
Johnson told MPs this lunchtime the Kremlin strongman would bring about "a Russia that is more isolated, a Russia that has pariah status.
"No chance of holding a football tournament in a Russia that invades sovereign countries."
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries vowed to hold urgent talks with Uefa to discuss the ramifications of the crisis on the the cup clash.
She tweeted: "I have serious concerns about the sporting events due to be held in Russia, such as the Champions League final, and will discuss with the relevant governing bodies."
The chances of Wembley getting the nod, believed to be worth around £60m, would be heightened should two English teams reach the final.
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