Leicester recall fans’ tickets
The European Rugby Cup board demanded that the reigning champions supply Munster followers with their rightful allocation of 4,000 tickets and gave them until Friday to hand them over, or else run the risk of losing home advantage.
The Tigers claimed yesterday that they were forced into asking for 147 tickets back from Tiger fans after the ERC told them they had 30 minutes to reply to a fax demanding a resolution, or the clash would be switched to another venue.
Tigers have now been handed a deadline of a week on Friday to fulfil their ticket obligation to Munster - or risk punishment from the ERC.
But, if they are to supply the Irish side with their full allocation of 4,000 tickets, Tigers need 147 supporters to return their tickets even though they are planning to expand the ground's capacity to over 17,000 with temporary seating.
Business was brisk at the ticket office last evening, with a number of supporters making enquiries but officials would not divulge, how many, if any tickets had been returned.
A club spokesman who did not wish to comment on the matter, did admit that there had been "a tremendous response to the demands," adding that he was not worried about the deadline imposed.
Head of sport at BBC Leicester Martin Ballard said that fans have reacted positively to the plea which was issued yesterday.
"The fans have been very understanding to date as can be judged by the fact that tickets are being returned. But there has been no complaints on the matter to us here on the radio station, nor in the local paper.
The Leicester Mercury. Fans are probably a bit frustrated that it has dragged on for so long and the fact that it has come to this, many are wondering if the ERC will ultimately take charge of ticket distribution from European Cup quarter-finals in future years," Mr Ballard said.
Club chairman Peter Tom has already handed back his tickets and the Tigers are offering those who follow his example the chance to watch the game with club directors and injured players on a big screen in a hospitality marquee outside the ground.
They will also be offered a ticket for a remaining Tigers home game or a fixture in the Heineken Cup if they overcome Alan Gaffney's Munster.
Tom has given up his seats in the aggregate hospitality box in the Alliance & Leicester Stand and says that the first 12 fans to return their tickets will be accommodated there and will receive full corporate hospitality.
Former stadium announcer Tudor Thomas, whose seven-year spell behind the microphone at Welford Road ended in December, has also handed back his tickets.
Thomas said: "I had no hesitation in handing back my tickets because the club is bigger than any individual. If this is the only way we can ensure that the game is played at Welford Road, this is what we have to do.
"We don't want to move the game because it will nullify home advantage."
Most of the playing squad have also handed back tickets, along with staff and senior management, including chief executive Peter Wheeler and managing director David Clayton.
Clayton said that the club simply did not have any other choice as they bid to retain the fixture at Welford Road.
"If we don't supply Munster with their full allocation of tickets, there is a possibility that the game could be switched or disciplinary action taken against us.
"We have had tremendous support from Dean Richards, Martin Johnson and the players and staff and now we are asking the supporters for their assistance.
"This is not the type of thing we like doing but given the ultimatum we received, we don't have a choice.
"We know from experience that some people who have bought tickets for the game won't be able to make it.
"If anyone can't make it to the game or want to help us, they can either return the ticket in person, give us a call or e-mail us and we will do the rest."
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