Orlando Pirates will refund supporters who had valid tickets but were unable to enter Orlando Amstel Arena for last Saturday’s Betway Premiership match against Milford FC after the stadium gates were closed on safety grounds.
The Soweto club apologised to affected fans and said the decision to lock down the venue was made by the Venue Operations Centre (VOC) during the match.
Pirates said the action was necessary to protect spectators, players, officials and stadium staff after criminal syndicates were identified as operating in and around the stadium precinct.
According to the club, the groups were selling counterfeit tickets and helping people enter the stadium unlawfully without valid tickets. That activity created what Pirates described as an unacceptable safety risk and made it more difficult to manage the crowd.
The club said the decision to close the gates was outside its control, but recognised the frustration caused to genuine supporters who had bought legitimate tickets and were left unable to attend the match.
To administer the compensation process, Pirates have appointed Open Tickets. Fans who held valid match tickets but were prevented from entering because of the stadium lockdown can apply for a refund by emailing support@opentickets.co.za.
Only supporters who can show that they had valid tickets and were denied entry as a direct result of the lockdown will be eligible, the club said.
Pirates added that it would continue working with the Premier Soccer League, stadium management, law enforcement agencies and other relevant stakeholders to improve matchday operations.
The club said those efforts would include tackling the sale of counterfeit tickets and preventing unlawful access at future fixtures, with the wider aim of providing a safe, secure and enjoyable experience for supporters.
The incident occurred as Orlando Pirates began their defence of the Betway Premiership title with a 2-0 victory over Milford FC.
The Buccaneers are due to return to action in the MTN8 on Saturday, 8 August, when they host Durban City in a quarter-final at 15:00.
Their next Betway Premiership fixture will be away against AmaZulu on Wednesday, 12 August, with kick-off scheduled for 19:30.
