Bristol Rovers boss Darrell Clarke has branded Swindon’s decision to charge for tickets for the rearranged game between the two sides as disgraceful, according to BBC Sport.
Saturday’s game was abandoned after 60 minutes due to torrential rain with the Wiltshire-based club announcing that tickets for the rearranged match between the two sides would be at a normal, regular value with Adult tickets costing £19-25 for the game, rearranged for September 20.
The decision by Swindon Town to charge regular prices for the game has been met with criticism across social media but none so more direct as that from Bristol Rovers’ manager Darrell Clarke. Clarke told BBC Radio Bristol that the decision taken by Swindon was: “Shocking, absolutely disgraceful. It’s ridiculous for me, that is taking the mickey.”
The Rovers boss then went on to discuss the effective going against a precedent that Swindon’s stance has taken and how it could affect football itself. Speaking of this, Clarke said: “I’ve never heard of that to be honest with you. If a game gets abandoned, you get your ticket refunded or you get a ticket to go and watch the replay of the game. For me, it undermines football. It’s the general punters that miss out. I’m certainly not happy about that.”
Whilst there has been no official comment from Swindon Town on the matter, Mike Welsh, vice-chair of the Swindon Town supporters’ trust has urged Town to sit back and think about the ramifications of their decision. He stated to BBC Wiltshire: Supporters were asked to keep their tickets stubs. We thought the club could have reached out to the fans and sought some middle ground. The club know perfectly well what they can do about it. The ball is very much in their court. We encourage them to come back, have a rethink and see if we can meet the fans halfway.”
Reaction from fans has also shown a definite strength of feeling that veers sharply towards the negative.
Swindon instigate new ticket diktat: fans respond on Twitter
Mark points out just how serious some view the decision.
https://twitter.com/sardo02/status/770865618530791425
Chris urges action via the signing of a protest petition.
https://twitter.com/Chrisslinnell/status/770884981610733568
This Twitter account postulates on what others should do as well.
Swindon charging fans again for a rearranged match is harsh but shouldn't the police waive policing charges a second time instead? #stfc
— thetwounfortunates (@twounfortunates) August 31, 2016
Twitter user Andrew says that the situation is so monumental that only wishful thinking can save the day.
Power better sign messi and Neymar today to make up for this shambles!!! 😂#stfc
— Andrew Dyson (@adyson87) August 31, 2016
Laurence is of the opinion that many follow – a real sense of disgust.
Just seen that #stfc are going to re-charge those who've already paid to get into the game that was abandoned. Absolutely disgusting. #bcafc
— Laurence Monaghan (@lmonaghan86) August 30, 2016
Nathan keeps it very short and succinct as to what he feels.
Lee Power has lost a lot of people today #stfc
— Nathan Philpott (@nathanphilpott_) August 30, 2016
