Orlando Pirates offer ticket refunds after fans locked out of Orlando Stadium

Orlando Pirates have apologised to supporters caught up in crowd-control problems during Saturday’s 2-0 Betway Premiership victory over Milford FC and confirmed that eligible ticket holders will be able to claim refunds.

The club said supporters who had valid tickets but were unable to enter Orlando Stadium after the gates were closed can apply through Open Tickets, which has been appointed to manage the refund process.

The disruption happened before kick-off, when some fans forced their way into the venue. The venue operations centre (VOC) then ordered the stadium to be closed during the match, citing public safety concerns.

Pirates said the decision was made by the VOC rather than the club, but acknowledged the frustration caused to supporters who had paid for tickets and were prevented from watching the match inside the stadium.

“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.”

The club blamed the incident on criminal groups allegedly operating in and around the stadium precinct, saying they were selling counterfeit tickets and helping people enter 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 problems have renewed concerns about crowd control at football grounds in South Africa, an issue that has persisted for some time. Organisers face an immediate test as Orlando Pirates prepare to host Durban City in the opening round of the MTN8 this weekend.

Further scrutiny will follow next weekend, when Mamelodi Sundowns are scheduled to visit Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium in the league.

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

The club added that those efforts would focus on tackling criminal activity and ensuring supporters, players, officials, staff and other stakeholders can enjoy a safe and secure match experience.