Wolves anger at police decree
Wolves fans wanting to travel to the FA Cup fifth round game at Cardiff City have been told by South Wales Police they will have to use organised transport.
Supporters will not be allowed to buy tickets if they wish to travel in their own car, or by bus and train.
The club has reacted angrily to what they describe as the "unnecessary, unjustified and disproportionate" restrictions that have been imposed by the police and the Safety Advisory Group which is responsible for Ninian Park and matches played at Cardiff City.
It has now been confirmed that the game will take place on Saturday February 16 with a 3pm kick-off. Wolves have an allocation of 2,000 tickets priced at £23 seats, £22 terrace and £15 for all concessions (sales procedure details to follow).
"We have done everything possible to try to persuade South Wales Police to change their minds over this," says chief executive Jez Moxey.
"We asked the South Wales Police to consider different kick-off times, or switching the match to the Sunday, which is the usual course of action if there are public disorder concerns.
"We have stressed the very good behaviour record of our fans, pointing to the fact that we have had approximately 29,000 supporters travel away with the team so far this season with no reports of public disorder or public safety issues. We have had only eleven individuals arrested for minor offences.
"As part of our efforts, we forwarded supportive letters from West Midlands Police, The FA and The Football Licensing Authority to Cardiff City and South Wales Police. However, we have been informed that our proposals and the accompanying letters have not been taken into account and we have been presented with a fait accompli.
"We have received the rationale behind the decision made by South Wales Police and, to be honest, we feel it is weak and does not justify this action being taken. However, we are not responsible for public safety at Ninian Park - that is down to Cardiff City and their SAG which includes South Wales Police.
"We have considered our options, including declining an allocation of tickets for the game but, on reflection, decided that in the interest of our supporters and the team we should provide the necessary travel facilities - even though in our opinion the restriction on supporters travelling independently is completely unjustified.
"It is now down to individual supporters to decide whether they wish to travel under these restrictions. We are looking into the possibility of a beam-back to corporate areas at Molineux."
Wolves will increase the number of official club coaches to cater for demand and run them at cost price.
Supporters will be required to pay for a coach and match ticket together. They will be issued with a voucher that will be exchanged for a match ticket once they have arrived at a designated rendezvous point outside Cardiff. Disabled fans will be exempt.
The club is seeking clarification as to whether supporters who wish to travel from outside the Wolverhampton area can group book their own coaches or mini buses. Further details will be made available as soon as they are available.
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