Fans left ‘devastated’ after waiting to see Lionesses arrive at Heathrow - but team left by a ‘private’ door

22 August 2023, 09:53 | Updated: 22 August 2023, 13:17

Fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the Lionesses arriving home at Heathrow Airport were left disappointed today after the players left by a private exit.

A number of fans had turned out early to greet the team off their 6.30am flight - with some even waiting overnight at the airport.

But they were left disappointed when they were told the World Cup runners-up would not be passing through arrivals.

The team didn't come through the main arrivals hall - instead leaving by a private exit after touching down just after 6.30am.

England fans at Heathrow airport react to the Lionesses taking a private exit

Some fans brought flowers for head coach Sarina Wiegman, while placards featured messages saying 'you all made us proud' and 'can we have two t- shirts please?'.

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Hopes were raised when Alex Scott was spotted walking through arrivals, with fans saying she hinted the team would follow, and the crowd burst out into chants of 'Sweet Caroline'.

The team's bags with the squad logo were also carried through.

But airport staff confirmed the Lionesses had left the airport - by private exit - and the crowd soon dispersed.

An FA spokesperson said that the Lionesses followed the "normal protocol" also adhered to by the England men's team - and that it would have been the same even if they had won the World Cup.

A small number of fans watched at arrivals for a little longer just to be sure they had not missed out on any action.

Joanne Bruce, 51, travelled from Wisbech in Cambridgeshire to the airport at 10.30pm last night with her niece and sister in the hope of thanking the team for their tournament performance.

She said: "We haven't slept, we have just laughed and joked.

"It was just the three of us to start with. My sister was like 'I really want to go early'."

When asked if there any other fans were at the airport then she replied: "No, no, no. They didn't come until about four o'clock this morning.

"We have now got a car parking ticket of £70-80, maybe more.

"I was very, very disappointed (about the final result). Seeing Millie with tears in her eyes, it just bought tears to my eyes. I really felt for them as well.

"They have definitely done us proud, to get as far as they have."

One fan said she was ‘gutted’ that they didn’t see the players after waiting there since 1030pm last night.

“We were told all sorts of things. I’m hoping it was just the fact they had been on such a long flight.

“We were told it was their staff who said they couldn’t come through. I don’t know.

“It’s definitely not to do with them. I don’t think it’s got anything to do with the girls at all.”

One young fan, Mason brought a pen and book hoping for a signature.

He said: “When we finally heard they were not coming out I was devastated.

“I wanted to see Mary or Millie Bright. They done extremely well in the World Cup I’m proud of them.

“I’ve never seen us get that far before.”

Another girl said: “It’s disappointing. We assumed they were going to come through. “

“It’s a weird one - everyone just expected them to come out. They are normally really good with the fans. They had an incredible tournament.

“We would have been screaming and shouting for them.”

Another said: “We were excited just to see their luggage come through.”

When the players didn’t appear she added; “It’s disappointing we didn’t get to show our love and support.”

The FA said they had asked Heathrow to inform any fans that the players would not be coming through the main exit but that did not appear to have been relayed to the gathering of supporters at arrivals.