Premier League game between Ipswich and Everton delayed by 15 minutes after 'localised power issue' left thousands of fans unable to get into Portman Road
- Ipswich Town's home game against Everton was supposed to start at 3pm
- But it did not kick off until 3.15pm following 'turnstile issues' at Portman Road
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Saturday's Premier League game between Ipswich Town and Everton was unable to start on time due to 'turnstile issues'.
The game, Ipswich's fourth home fixture following their promotion to the Premier League, had been due to kick off at 3pm.
However, it was delayed by 15 minutes.
The club issued a short statement via social media at 2.39pm. It read: 'We are aware of an issue with the turnstiles, impacting supporters' entry to Portman Road ahead of this afternoon's game. We ask for your patience as we work on a solution.'
A second statement 11 minutes later then added: 'This afternoon's game will now kick-off at 3.15pm.'
Kick-off between Everton and Ipswich Town on Saturday was delayed from 3pm until 3.15pm
Ipswich published a statement at 2.39pm to inform fans about an 'issue with the turnstiles'
The issue had resulted in thousands of supporters being unable to get into Portman Road
Fans pictured waiting outside of Portman Road, where kick-off needed to be pushed back
Meanwhile, Everton blamed the delay on 'IT issues'.
The Toffees tweeted from their official X (formerly Twitter) account at 2.50pm: 'Due to IT issues here at Portman Road, kick-off has been delayed until 3.15pm.'
Everton's players had already finished their pre-match warm-up when news of the delay broke.
Sean Dyche's men then returned to the pitch to continue warming up.
The issues at Portman Road meant that the stadium was nowhere near full as the clock approached 3pm.
But a third statement from Ipswich at 3.05pm confirmed that the problem, now described as a 'localised power issue', had been resolved and the stadium soon filled up.
Everton reported via X (formerly Twitter) that the game had been delayed due to 'IT issues'
Ipswich confirmed at 3.05pm that the problem, said to be a 'power issue', had been resolved
As both clubs had promised, the game did indeed begin at 3.15pm.
Fans had to wait just 17 minutes for the opening goal, which was scored by Everton attacking midfielder Iliman Ndiaye.
Famous Ipswich fan Ed Sheeran was among the crowd on Saturday.
