Real Madrid fans ‘fall victim to Champions League final scam’

• A charted flight to London was reportedly cancelled after the plane broke down
• Some Real Madrid fans later discovered that they had fallen victim to a scam
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Real Madrid supporters have reportedly fallen victim to a scam after being unable to fly to London to attend the Champions League final.

The Spanish giants face Borussia Dortmund in the final at Wembley on Saturday evening, with fans of both clubs having travelled to London.

A total of 270 Real Madrid supporters have been unable to make the trip after being left stranded at the Madrid–Barajas Airport.

Spanish newspaper AS reported that the majority were affected their charted flight breaking down, with others later discovering that they had been scammed.

Some of the fans had discovered their tickets were not valid on arrival at the airport, leaving them unable to travel to London.

The trip was organised by the Real Madrid supporter’s club Capote y Montera, with the organisation chartering a flight through a travel agency. 

Fans reportedly paid €1,095 (£930) for a round trip, with the flight due to land at East Midlands Airport at 7am on Saturday.

Supporters would then have been taken to Wembley on a coach.

Nabil Alturek Arnaiz, president of Capote y Montera, told Spanish outlet Revelo that the travel agency had blamed a ‘maintenance problem’.

‘They notified us yesterday, around five in the afternoon, that the plane could not fly due to a maintenance problem,’ he said.

‘They have not given us more details. I have not slept a wink all night.

‘I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. It’s been horrible. My agency has been ruined and this is going to hurt me a lot.’

Sixteen supporters have reportedly been able to make the trip after being moved onto other flights to ensure they could travel to showpiece final.

Real Madrid has offered others the chance to watch the match at the Santiago Bernabeu, with the club setting up big screens in the stadium.

The record winners are aiming to secure a 15th Champions League, while Dortmund are bidding to lift the famous trophy for the second time.