Everton fan and author Steve Zocek reckons football fans are treated like second-class citizens as he claims that a ticketing issue at the game with Manchester City earlier this month left him entering the Etihad Stadium half an hour after kick-off.
A member of the Everton FC Heritage Society who has penned titles such as Kendall’s Glory Years, Goodison Memories and For The Boys In The Royal Blue Jersey, Steve, from Burtonwood, complained to Manchester City after his digital ticket for Everton’s game at the Etihad Stadium on October 18 failed to scan. He said he had to join a lengthy queue for the South Stand Ticket Office alongside many others with similar problems and amid the chaotic scenes, he did not gain entry to the ground until 30 minutes into the match.
Steve told the ECHO: “For me, getting in the ground at half past three is not acceptable, I’m sorry. I got a call back from Everton on Monday and they’re in total agreement with me.
“In my initial complaint, I asked for a refund but I’m it’s not really the money that I’m bothered about because thirty quid is not going to buy me a yacht in Saint-Tropez! It’s the principle of it for me.
“When I went into the stadium, I asked about the whereabouts of the safety officer, and I was told he was in the control room. If that was correct, then he’d have seen that there were issues outside the stadium with people queuing up to get in.
“Having two turnstiles and having one not working obviously made it more difficult, hence the reason why we got in late. It’s 2025 and football fans are still having issues getting into grounds and it shouldn’t be happening.”
He added: “I’ve been going to Everton games for nearly 60 years now and I started going to the aways back in 1975. I understand all these digital tickets now – not that I agree with it – but who’s to say that it won’t happen again?
“What I don’t understand is how Manchester City are trying to brush it off. It wasn’t Everton’s fault that one turnstile was down and I’m sure there could have been a quicker way of getting fans into the ground.
“Football fans are now treated as second-class citizens. Clubs only want to know about the big spenders who purchase hospitality packages.”
In response to Steve’s issues, Manchester City replied to him and said: “We’re truly sorry to hear you experienced difficulties entering the stadium.
“We’re already aware of the situation and have shared all feedback with our internal working group. We’re continuously working to improve our matchday operations, and in this instance, the issue was entirely unforeseen.
“On the day, our staff were present at the turnstiles to assist with ticket scanning and help supporters gain entry as quickly as possible.”
The ECHO discussed Mr Zocek’s grievances with a Manchester City spokesperson who stated that any financial reimbursement would have to go through Everton from whom the ticket was purchased but acknowledged that issues on the day were compounded by problems with one of their turnstiles. An Everton spokesperson told the ECHO that the club do not go on the record about individual cases, but they are aware of the problems that Mr Zocek encountered.
Be the first to comment