West Ham United have decided to ensure that no serious allowances will be made for non-tekkie people ahead of the match against Atalanta on August 8.
Despite claiming they are waiting on final Premier League protocols ( posh word for the ‘rules governing things’) people will need to print out their own tickets or wait in a queue to get one as quickly as the club can manage it.
Should they be in such a position – many elderly, and those without smartphones or the facilities or abilities to produce their own tickets, there will apparently be a dedicated window at the stadium to get a paper ticket. Let’s hope it’s not part of a mile-long dedicated queue or longer and that the rain isn’t pouring down on the old folk!
ClaretandHugh sent numerous emails to all concerned this morning – notably in the media department from where this statement has emerged – fully expecting that the club would continue to ensure that the elderly and non-tekkie types would not be able to buy a ticket in the normal way.
And despite all the stuff about protocols, we believe that once the season starts there will be absolutely no changes made to the system .
WE DON’T BELIEVE FOR A SINGLE SECOND THERE WILL BE A LAMINATED CARD SEASON TICKET AVAILABLE AS WILL BE THE CASE AT MANCHESTER UNITED AND LIVERPOOL …AND PROBABLY OTHER CLUBS.
The Club statement is beautifully spun to make things sound hunky-dory when in reality the mentality of the elderly in THESE circumstances is likely to be: “Can’t be bothered with all that!”
Many won’t even understand the words ‘download’ or ‘e-ticket.’
Here’s the club’s plan for the Atalanta match and we reckon for the rest of the season:
- Download your e-ticket to your smartphone or relevant device for scanning upon entry
- Print your e-ticket at home from any computer or device
- Head to a clearly designated and exclusive window at the Ticket Office at London Stadium to receive a paper ticket printed by the Club
- Special arrangements will be in place for any supporters who are not able to utilise one of the methods above. Simply contact the Ticket Office on 0333 030 1966, select ‘Option 2’ and the Club will personally ensure that your individual needs are met
The statement adds: Should you be unable to download your ticket to your digital device or print at home and require to take up the final option above, please arrive early at London Stadium and the Club will endeavour to print your ticket as quickly as possible to ensure your smooth entry to the stadium for this fixture.
Doesn’t sound too good, does it given the usual travel problems?
They say: “As has always been our approach – and particularly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic – we will do everything we possibly can to personally assist our supporters, especially those who are vulnerable or in need of extra assistance.
Not quite sure what that means given there were no fans other than on two occasions.
They go on: Looking ahead to the 2021/22 campaign, the Club is still awaiting additional information before we are in a position to confirm final protocols on the issuing of Season Tickets – something we will communicate to supporters as soon as possible.
Beyond all this, the double jabbed – the elderly again- are going to have to show a vaccine passport according to the government unless it changes its mind for the umpteenth time.
I think many might well be tempted to give it a miss unless those responsible for this nonsense, re-think and make a card available as an option.
The club won’t like what we have to say but we remain on the side of the old, vulnerable and those who are at a loss in this new technological era.
They have been fans for most of their lives and will now find life as difficult as it has ever been for them to watch 90 minutes of football at the club they love after missing so much football through the pandemic.
It’s shocking and they have our support!
HERE’S THE FIRST RESPONSE FROM ONE OF THEM ON THE CLARETANDHUGH FORUM – 77 YEAR OLD JIMBO: “Are they proposing you will have an email ticket for every game. If so I have to walk from Stratford station to ticket office then to my seat in Billy Bonds to see a game. At 77 yrs my pins are not what they used to be. If so can I return my season ticket for a full refund. Not advised of this situation when I renewed. First time at Boleyn aged 7. Who at WH gives a toss. Just want make more money.
Should you be interested the media department took 777 words to explain the position. Let’s hope their “as quickly as possible” in providing those printed out tickets happens a bit sooner than that took to write.
However, I’m sure the worst affected read every word!!!!!!! SIGH
Well, I guess that’s one way of getting rid of your over-65 season ticket holders who pay a reduced rate. When all these over-65s give up their season tickets because of the hassle, they’ll be able to sell the STs at full price. Shame on you, West Ham!