Checkatrade Trophy Final: South Western Railway says trains ‘may be busier than usual’ when 40,000 Portsmouth fans travel to Wembley for clash against Sunderland

South Western Railway has warned passengers its trains from Portsmouth to London Waterloo 'may be busier than usual' when Portsmouth FC play in the Checkatrade Trophy final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday. Picture: Victoria Jones/ PA Wire

South Western Railway said trains between Portsmouth and London ‘may be busier than usual’ as Portsmouth take on Sunderland in the Checkatrade Trophy final on Sunday.

More than 40,000 Portsmouth fans will travel to Wembley Stadium for the fixture, which kicks off at 2.30pm.

South Western Railway said in a tweet: ‘*INFO* Portsmouth Football Club will be playing in the Checkatrade Trophy final on 31 March.

‘Trains travelling from Portsmouth towards London may be busier than usual.

‘Please check before you travel and allow extra time for your journey.’

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Another message which appeared on the firm's website yesterday said: ‘Additional trains will run between Portsmouth and London Waterloo however, please check before you travel and, where possible, allow extra time for your journey.’

Taking to social media, Portsmouth fans have reported the message has now disappeared.

It is not currently known whether any extra provisions will be put in place on Sunday.

The News has contacted South Western Railway and Southern Rail – which operates trains from Portsmouth to London Victoria – for confirmation on what trains will run on Sunday.