Orlando Pirates have apologised to supporters who were unable to enter Orlando Stadium during Saturday’s 2-0 Betway Premiership victory over Milford FC and have appointed Open Tickets to process refunds for eligible ticket holders.
The stadium was closed after fans forced their way into the venue before kick-off, prompting the venue operations centre (VOC) to intervene on public-safety grounds.
The disruption has renewed concerns about crowd control at football grounds, an issue that has affected the sport for some time. Organisers will face two further tests in the coming weeks, with Pirates due to host Durban City in the opening round of the MTN8 this weekend before Mamelodi Sundowns travel to face Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium in the league next weekend.
In a statement, the club apologised to those affected by the incident at Orlando Amstel Arena.
“Orlando Pirates Football Club sincerely apologises to all the supporters who experienced inconvenience during Saturday’s Betway Premiership fixture against Milford FC at Orlando Amstel Arena,” the club said.
“The club confirms the decision to close the stadium gates during the match was made by the VOC in the interest of public safety.
“This operational measure was implemented to safeguard the wellbeing and security of all spectators, players, match officials, staff and other stakeholders present at the venue.”
Pirates blamed the problems on criminal groups allegedly selling counterfeit tickets and helping people enter the stadium without valid admission.
“The circumstances that led to the stadium lockdown arose from the continued activities of criminal syndicates operating in and around the stadium precinct.
“These groups are involved in the sale of counterfeit match tickets and facilitating the unlawful entry of individuals without valid tickets into the venue, creating an unacceptable risk to public safety and safe management of the event.
“While the decision to close the stadium was beyond the club’s control, Orlando Pirates fully acknowledges the frustration and disappointment experienced by supporters who held valid match tickets but were unable to gain entry due to the stadium lockdown.
“To support those affected, the club has appointed Open Tickets to administer the refund process. Supporters who purchased valid match tickets for the fixture but were unable to access the stadium due to the lockdown are eligible to apply for a refund.”
The club said the refund arrangement applies to supporters who held valid tickets for the match but could not enter because the gates were closed.
Pirates also said it would work with the Premier Soccer League, stadium management, law enforcement agencies and other relevant organisations to improve match-day procedures.
That work will include efforts to tackle criminal activity around the stadium and make sure future fixtures provide a safe, secure and enjoyable experience for supporters.
The incident comes at a time when football organisers are under pressure to improve the management of large crowds and prevent unauthorised entry at matches. The upcoming fixtures involving Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs are likely to place further focus on the effectiveness of those arrangements.
The VOC’s decision to close the gates was made during the match and, according to Pirates, was outside the club’s control. However, the club acknowledged the disruption caused to supporters who had bought genuine tickets and said the refund process was intended to assist those unable to watch the game.
Pirates went on to win the fixture 2-0 against Milford FC, but the crowd problems dominated the events surrounding the match. The club’s next home assignment will come against Durban City in the MTN8, before attention turns to next weekend’s league meeting between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium.
