A flights fiasco left soccer fans stranded as they tried to jet to Athens to watch last night's crucial Uefa Cup game.

A strike by air traffic controllers at Athens airport has caused major delays, with some flights being cancelled or delayed.

One group of Newcastle fans was stuck at Heathrow Airport yesterday not knowing if they would arrive in Athens in time for kick-off.

Friends who flew out yesterday faced a nightmare after their luggage went missing - with their match tickets.

Newcastle tackled Panionios and Middlesbrough faced Egaelo, both in Athens, last night.

Financial advisor Peter Brown, 44, from Whitley Bay, arrived in London early yesterday with two friends intending to catch a 7.30am flight to Athens.

"We've been told we face a delay of four hours. We just hope we will be able to get to the match in time," he said.

Many supporters travelled to Greece yesterday without delays.

Mr Murphy said: "Two of our friends were really smug as they arrived yesterday with no problems, but they have left their match tickets in their bags, which went missing.

"They are sitting in a hotel room with no tickets."

Greek controllers said they would not work for four hours to show solidarity with fellow workers by joining the strike called by unions frustrated at the lack of a minimum wage.

BA spokesman Jay Merritt said: "Unfortunately, it is out of our hands."