West Brom fans frustrated by Paris Saint-Germain friendly venue

West Brom's decision to schedule a mouth-watering pre-season game against Paris Saint-Germain at a stadium which is 'a nightmare' to get to has been labelled 'disappointing'.

The Baggies face the European giants next Wednesday in the Schladming Athletic Area in Austria, the same place they played Red Bull Salzburg last summer.

There are no direct flights from Birmingham or East Midlands airports to Salzburg, meaning any fans that travel will need to fly into Munich before taking a four-hour train journey.

Supporters' club chairman John Homer said it was unfortunate, but admitted that the team's preparation was most important.

"It's disappointing for people who want to go but on the other hand you have to get your team prepared," said Homer.

"And we ought to take on board that there are two games that they can go to in Holland and two games in Devon too. The fans are well catered for.

"It's unfortunate, we'd all like to go, but it's the needs of the team that are primary.

"I daresay there will be some Albion blokes who manage to get there by hook or by crook.

"And it's better than Orlando, I couldn't afford the time or the money to go there last summer."

Albion are playing PSG at the end of their week-long fitness camp in the Austrian Alps.

Lifelong Albion fan and author of 'Born to be a Baggie', Dean Walton, has been going to pre-season games for decades, but he's been put off the PSG game by the travel.

"It's a bloody nightmare to get to," said Walton. "I know a couple of lads who are going, flying to Munich and making their way from Munich.

"You have to catch trains and buses and god knows what else.

"There won't be many going. I'm not happy about it, but at least it won't be the PSG first team."

Some of the biggest stars from the French champions may be absent because of their efforts in Euro 2016 or the Copa America.

There was also plenty of criticism for the decision on social media.

Paul Chappell said: "How the hell do we get to that!! No direct flights to Salzburg!"

While Alex Newton added: "Albion build excitement for a huge pre-season game then announce it's against PSG. A 15-hour drive away in Austria. Classic Albion.

"Also worth nothing the Euro 2016 final is three days before. Don't expect half of PSG's first XI to be there."

Although he's disappointed, Walton is delighted with the two-game tour in Holland at the end of July.

"I'm going to Arnhem, that's all booked and I'm really looking forward to that one," he said.

"A lot of the lads went to Austria last year, so they're not bothered because they've been there before. I didn't go to Austria last season though, I went to the States."

Meanwhile, Albion are set to net roughly £1.2million from former trainee Kemar Roofe's transfer to Leeds.

The Baggies inserted a 40 per cent sell-on clause when the 23-year-old joined Oxford last summer.

It is understood Roofe has moved for a fee of £3million.

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