Sports Espanyol organise flight for stranded fans to make final

MADRID, May 16 (Reuters) Espanyol have agreed to pay for a special plane to be organised to transport stranded fans to the UEFA Cup final in Glasgow later today, after their flights from Barcelona failed to materialise.

''The club will carry the cost of the flight so that they can all make it to Glasgow,'' Espanyol president Daniel Sanchez Llibre told the Europa Press news agency today.

''We had warned that there might be problems with the flights but it is a shame that people take advantage of the fans' enthusiasm and good faith in this way.'' Spanish media reported that 517 Espanyol fans were affected, with some having had their flight cancelled, while others had been booked on a flight that was not scheduled.

The fans made protests at the airport, blocking the access to the terminal building, causing extensive traffic problems.

Espanyol face another Primera Liga side Sevilla in the final.

REUTERS AKD VC1731