Hereford FC have confirmed that supporters should expect to see an increase in ticket checks for forthcoming home matches at Edgar Street.
Additional checks are being implemented because it has been brought to the club’s attention that some supporters may be using Under 16 match or season tickets to watch games, when in fact they should be buying adult tickets.
While only a small minority appear to be acting in this way, this type of behaviour has the potential to cost the club a significant amount of money over the course of a season, money that could potentially be spent for the benefit of the whole club, including strengthening the squad.
Bulls Chairman, Chris Ammonds, said:
“It is disappointing to hear that a small minority of supporters may be deliberately buying U16 (or student) tickets to attend matches, when they should be paying full adult prices.
“While our turnstile operators do check tickets, they are volunteers and therefore it is not always easy for them to ask fans for ID, particularly with the sizeable crowds we are getting right now.
“For forthcoming home games, stewards will be stopping fans to check they have a valid match or season ticket and anyone found not to have one will not be allowed entry to the ground. We would therefore advise fans to allow a little more time to enter Edgar Street prior to kick off, as the checks will mean it could take longer to reach the turnstiles.
“We are continuing to look at the information we hold on our ticket system to identify any individuals who are constantly buying unusual amounts of Under 16 tickets, and we will also be asking our volunteers in the ticket office to report any unusual ticket buying patterns.
“As stated previously, it is disappointing to have to increase our ticket checks, but given the reports that have come in to the club in recent times we feel it is the right option to ensure only valid match tickets are used to watch Bulls games.”
