Last week we explained how Southend United fans who had travelled to their side’s game at Aldershot Town were left out of pocket after the game was abandoned at half-time. This was because the Shots have a policy not to refund tickets in such circumstances and, after a little research, we found out that this was actually pretty common across the leagues.
We concluded by reminding clubs that in an era of tightened budgets and widespread internet access clubs had better remember to treat away supporters with a little respect and compassion if they wish to sustain it at its current levels.
Well what do you know? The very next week Carlisle United fans make the 500 mile+ roundtrip to watch their side at MK Dons only for the match to be called off before kick-off. But rather than make excuses and pass the buck MK Dons held their hands up and sought to put things right.
As compensation the home side have chosen not only to refund the match ticket itself but also offered an additional ticket so that supporters can bring a friend free of charge. This offer also applies to all home fans including season ticket holders. In addition MK Dons have offered to pay the costs of two coaches for Carlisle United’s supporters.
MK Dons chairman Pete Winkelman said: “We apologise for the circumstances in which Saturday’s game was called off which were both regrettable and exceptional and we feel we want to do something special to recognise the inconvenience suffered by all those who made the journey on Saturday. Especially the Carlisle fans who in many cases were faced with an almost 600 mile roundtrip.”
Carlisle United managing director John Nixon said: “This is an extremely generous offer from MK Dons. We’ve certainly never seen anything like it before. It goes above and beyond what we expected and I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say that we really appreciate it. We are now in the process of sorting out a new fixture date and full details of how to get the refund and the new match tickets will be released in due course.”
Join the FSF for free today from this link.
The Football Supporters' Federation on Facebook.
Follow us on Twitter - @The_FSF
