Rangnick plays down visa controversy

SCHALKE coach Ralf Rangnick has dismissed the visa red tape wrangle which caused the Champions League semi-finalists a two-hour delay in Dusseldorf.

When the German side arrived to catch their flight to Manchester ahead of today’s semi-final second leg with United at Old Trafford, they discovered visas for five of their players, including Jefferson Farfan, Edu and Atsuto Uchida, had not been issued.

No immediate reason was given for the delay, although it was suggested two Bank Holidays around the May Day weekend, including one for the Royal Wedding last Friday, might have meant problems processing the application.