Dartford fans' fury over Waltham Forest price hike

Struggling club Waltham Forest are facing the wrath from travelling Dartford fans following tonight‘s game, writes Stephen McCartney.

Despite the Darts winning 4-2 to climb into second place in the Ryman League Division One North table tonight - on 29 points from 15 games - travelling fans are not pleased to have been hit in the pocket.

The Walthamstow club decided to increase the admission charges, knowing that they’d attract a larger gate than normal for the visit of the Kent giants.

“The tickets, those who got tickets, had £7 printed on them, the sign on the gate said £6, and they charged £8,” said Dartford fan Gary Clarke.

“I saw someone with ticket 125, suggesting there were more than 118 (fans) there, especially as a lot of people got raffle ticket style tickets and some got none.

“I asked the man on the gate who said that “certain matches were designated to be £8, like against Enfield Town.”

“I replied “What, ones who bring fans?” and he replied “Yes!”.

Mr Clarke added: “If it hadn’t been done underhand, I’m sure no-one would have minded. Unfortunately, it left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth.”

Another disgruntled Darts fan said: “The crowd was more than 112! Twenty minutes before kick-off a guy entered the bar just behind me and said “I’ve never seen it so busy!

“Inside the stadium I believe there were at least 180-200 fans!

“As for the price, the turnstile operator told me they had been letting in people for £7 but then he was told to up it to £8.

“I told the guy that I wasn’t happy and that they’d lost out on me buying a programme, some food and a half-time drink and he replied “we don’t get any takings from the bar.

“So despite not having anything to eat since breakfast as I was saving myself as one of their fans said the catering was nice, I waited until I got home and they, as a club, lost out on revenue from me.

“They may have won the battle, but I feel that in my small way, I won the war!

“I was disgusted, but what could I do? I’d just travelled through east London on a busy Tuesday night in disgusting conditions to watch my team.

“I could hardly not pay. It wouldn’t be fair to our players.”

A Waltham Forest spokesperson admitted that his club were raking in the pounds for Dartford’s visit.

“Sorry about this chaps, but in our match secretary’s confirmation letter to you, we stated that we would be charging £8,” he said.

“Premiership clubs have “A” grade games, why can’t we?

“Anyway the man on the turnstiles was not informed of this hence why some people only paid £7.

“Again, we’re sorry the misunderstanding happened.”

Quotes taken from www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk/forum