Tuesday 17th November 2009
After calls for ArabTRUST to comment on the Rangers replay gate situation, we would like to say the following:-
Dundee United Football Club asked for ticket stubs to be retained as they initially considered a part exchange system i.e. "full / almost full pricing" with a discount given to stub holders.
However after full consideration of the issues, DUFC realised that there were practical difficulties with this. For example, almost 20% of those who had tickets for the first game did not attend for whatever reason, and there is no way of identifying them.
Dundee United Football Club took all factors into consideration whilst making this decision, including the substantial costs associated with staging the re-arranged game. These costs are estimated to be well in excess of £20,000 due to the mandatory requirements these days, especially for Old Firm matches. None of the agencies involved in hosting such a game, including the police, paramedics, ambulance crews, turnstile operators, stewards etc, would be expected to give of their time for free.
A further point involved is that an estimated attendance would only be about 7,000/8,000 because of live Sky coverage and of course that broadcasting generates no extra income. Over 5,000 Arabs will be season ticket holders / comps. The average price will be around £9 due to the very high concession numbers who attend at Tannadice. So if you do the maths, the Club will do well to break even.
Please also note also that some alternatives that are being suggested eg Club Shop vouchers as a part of the entry price, are not under United’s control, it’s under Nike. United can’t therefore provide vouchers unless they were to purchase them.
The idea of discount vouchers for next home game would have to be offered to away fans as well and in addition, upset existing season ticket holders who we know in past have expressed concern to ArabTRUST because cash paying fans are getting what some see as a ‘special deal’.
ArabTRUST support the DUFC decision over this replay. The Club were well aware that this situation may not be popular with some, but we can assure all ArabTRUST members that every option was considered.
Comment - webmaster@arabtrust.co.uk