Sucker-punch for soccer fans as qualifier away days to cost €2,500

Irish soccer fans have been warned they face travel price mark-ups and a minimum €2,500 bill if they want to follow the nation’s away-day bid for Euro 2016 qualification.

The draw for the 24-team finals was made yesterday and pitted Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane’s men against Germany, Poland, Scotland, Georgia, and Gibraltar, the newest member of Uefa.

Under new rules, the top two sides from each group will make it to France in 2016, meaning hope springs eternal for the Irish fan.