In the supplementary decision: ii) during all periods when it is a member of the Premier League between until 1 June 2022 make no fewer than 10% of its home supporter tickets available for purchase by: (1) senior citizens (i.e. those aged 65 or over); and (2) junior supporters (i.e. those aged 14 or younger, though these may be restricted to one per adult ticket purchased),
It says 'may be restricted'. In reality, if they have to offer 2.500 concession tickets, it makes little difference to them who they offer them to and adding daft rules on one per adult was be administratively complicated and rather pointless.
This is Ehab Allam. He'll try to interpret the judgement his own way. It says they have to make at least 10% of home supporter tickets available to Senior Citizens and Juniors at at least 10% discount. He could argue that memeberships are not tickets. They are way more than that, they allow access to events, competitions, reward points (no honestly they do). So he only needs to offer 10% of the rest. Also it only says make 10% available to, not exclusively available to. So one section of the ground with 10% discounts for senior citizens and juniors (providing they are under 14 and accompanied by 1 full paying adult per child). They don't even need to offer a period of exclusivity like they do now. I welcome the judgement. It's about time they started having rules enforced. I just don't trust them to implement it as they should.
Hmm. On reflection that now seems like quite a hollow victory. I wonder how many other clubs will think *"****ing hell, 10%? Get in!" Plus, as pointed out above, they can meet this by offering 10% of available tickets at 10% cheaper on a match day basis, and that will make absolutely no difference. It's also slightly annoying that during that whole time we were in the PL, the PL did absolutely **** all about it. So we were in compliance with the EFL rules, but not the PL rules, and I assume that means we are now currently compliant again. Interesting to note though that they state the club acted in good faith. Bottom line, it's going to make almost no difference to our pricing or the issues we have around that, and there's no where else to go to challenge it legally.
He can argue what he likes, the judgement states that he can't offer memberships without concessions, if he now chooses to ignore this, he risks a far harsher penalty than a slapped wrist.
It took the Trust a long time to get the Premier League to act on this, they're now working on getting the Football League to do the same (along with addressing the use of Hull City Tigers as the club playing name on marketing material relating to matches).
I'm not sure it does say he can't offer memberships without concessions (admittedly I'm only skim reading). One paragraph about the definition of ticket says: "Ticket” 66. Secondly, the Club contends that the membership scheme is not a “ticket” at all and so does not fall within the scope of Rule R.8. We reject that contention. It seems to us that the membership scheme, which entitles subscribers to sit in seats in the stadium, is clearly one that involves “tickets”. But even if we are wrong about that, the argument does not assist the Club. First, match by match tickets are clearly tickets. Secondly, in any event, Rule R.8 is mandatory: concessionary tickets prices must be made available. If the Club offer no tickets, then it breaches Rule R.8. That doesn't seem to definitive to me, they've not really judged conclusively whether a membership is a ticket because the club breached the rule in any event.
The judgement doesn't say very much. The club says they will offer 10% of tickets to senior citizens and juniors at a discount of 10%. They may be ****s but they're not daft and I am sure they will find a way to comply and yet in some ways get round it. This ruling only applies to the premier League and as far as penalties go, well TWT on that. Sorry if i'm coming over a bit negative on this, I appreciate the work of the trust and I presume the FSF on this but once again the football authorities come across as weak as piss. As Happy pointed out it could be that other clubs pick up on this ruling and actually reduce the number of supporters paying concession prices.
Unlikely, most clubs prefer to not alienate their fans. I've no doubt if we are promoted, Ehab will be his usual twattish self and will push his luck as far as he can. At least he's now been told that operating with no concessions is not acceptable.
Why are they so driven to keep resisting such things? Is it worth the bother to keep the grudge with fans going? They've made millions this window. **** off if all you've got to offer is more confrontation. Save yourselves the bother. Have a nice life with your huge wealth. Be happy. Beats me why they keep putting themselves through this sort of **** for virtually no gain, just occasional public embarrassment.
I've a feeling this will boost the atmosphere tonight & I'm mightily tempted to hop in my car & get my arse there.
Great win - against the background of ' no-one tells him how to run his business, he won't allow it ' - well matey yes they do and yes you have - more Allam **** straight from the mouth
