Orlando Pirates to refund fans affected by Orlando Stadium lockout

Orlando Pirates have apologised to supporters caught up in crowd-control problems during Saturday’s 2-0 Betway Premiership victory over Milford FC and will refund those who held valid tickets but were unable to enter Orlando Stadium.

The venue was closed after fans forced their way into the ground before kick-off, with the venue operations centre (VOC) taking the decision to shut the stadium gates during the match.

The incident has renewed concerns about poor crowd control at football venues, an issue that has persisted for some time and which organisers must address urgently.

The next tests will come quickly. Pirates are due to host Durban City in the opening round of the MTN8 this weekend, while Mamelodi Sundowns will visit Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium in the league next weekend.

In a statement, Pirates said: “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 added: “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 attributed the situation to criminal groups allegedly operating around the stadium and selling fake tickets.

“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 refund process applies to supporters who bought legitimate tickets for the fixture and could not enter because of the lockdown. Open Tickets will manage applications on behalf of the club.

Pirates said it would continue working with the Premier Soccer League, stadium management, law-enforcement agencies and other relevant organisations to improve match-day operations.

The club also said those efforts would focus on tackling criminal activity and providing supporters with a safe, secure and enjoyable experience at future matches.

The disruption at Orlando Stadium came despite Pirates securing a 2-0 win over Milford FC in the Betway Premiership. However, the match was overshadowed by the scenes outside and the impact on ticket-holders who were denied access.

The coming fixtures will place further attention on the effectiveness of stadium entry procedures, crowd management and efforts to prevent counterfeit tickets and unlawful admission.