Political parties from across the spectrum have swung behind efforts by fan group Hammers United (HU) to persuade the club to reinstate former concession rights.
HU member Terry Messenger said: “They’re shoving granny, grandad and the nippers to the very top of the stands. Many elderly people suffer from mobility difficulties. How are they supposed to climb all those steps? Likewise how are children’s little legs going to cope?
The least accessible seats are reserved for the people with the least ability to reach them. It’s just plain mean.”
Mr. Messenger this week canvassed support among candidates across constituencies in West Ham supporting areas of East London and Essex. Six parties in ten constituencies backed the Hammers United campaign.
Massive Price Hikes
Under the Club’s scheme, new concessionary season tickets will now only be sold in Bands 5 and 6 of the London Stadium which are located in the back rows of the upper tier.
Anyone wishing to buy a new season ticket, including over 66s, under 21s, and under 18s, in bands 1-4, who would have normally qualified for a reduction in the cost will, now have to pay the full adult price.
For example, a parent wanting to buy their child’s first season ticket in Band 1 would have typically paid around £585, but from the 24/25 season onward the Club will force them to pay the full adult price - this will be a whopping £1175! And if the Club continues with its policy of inflation busting price increases that have hit all season ticket holders, that figure looks set to go up year after year.
Likewise, anyone reaching the age of 66 and looking to treat themselves to a new season ticket at a reduced cost will meet a similar fate.
Said Mr Messenger, “The only alternative for these supporters is to go to the very back of the upper tier which is the least accessible part of the stadium with the worst views of the pitch. What a way to treat fans!”
Political Support
Candidates for the Conservative Party, the Liberal Democrats, the Greens, Independents, the English Constitution Party and the Christian People’s Alliance have backed Hammers United. Some have signed a petition organised by the group.
Tory Holly Ramsey, standing in West Ham and Beckton said:
I do support your campaign and wish you success for a positive outcome, and hope to see many more people across our constituency access our local club.”
Green candidate Kim Arrowsmith, in Dagenham and Rainham said:
Giving people easy access to all kinds of sport and culture is an important part of the Green Party’s ethos. I have signed the petition.
Liberal Democrat Fraser Coppin, in Ilford North added:
This seems like a cruel decision that will hurt so many people. I absolutely support the cause, and have signed the petition.
Independent Tahir Mirza in East Ham declared:
I’m backing you all the way.
Ilford North Green Green Rachel Collinson told HU:
I support this campaign. As I shared on Twitter (@rachel_shares), football and indeed sport overall should be affordable for everybody to enjoy.
I am proud of Green Party policy that would help fans to buy their clubs and also ensure there is a ‘fan seat’ on the boards of all clubs that haven’t yet been.
Good luck with your campaign!
Independent Shanell Johnson in Leyton and Wanstead has invited Hammers United to address a community assembly in the constituency.
Neither the Labour Party nor Reform had responded by Wednesday afternoon although a member of Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s Ilford North team promised: “I’ll look into it.”
Brentwood and Ongar Tory Alex Burghart promised to raise the issue with the club if re-elected.
Green Simon Heap in Epping Forest, a Spurs supporter, urged a united radical approach by fans of both teams. Tottenham have ended new concessions completely.
Mr Heap said: “I would support all of us refusing to attend matches for a month so the owners could see exactly where this could lead.”
Green Laura-Louise Fairley, Hackney South and Shoreditch,added: “To send some of the most long-serving and loyal supporters to the furthest of seats is just disrespectful.”
Also backing Hammers United are independent Dr. Nimal Raj in Thurrock, English Constitution candidate Colin Birch in Romford, and Christian People’s Alliance champion Kayode Shedowo in West Ham and Beckton.
Sign the Petition
Please sign the petition using this link >>
The information showing the new ticket prices showing new concessions only in Bands 5 and 6 canb be found on West Ham United’s website here >>
Join Hammers United
If you aren’t already a member, please join and make your voice heard >>
