A fan is still waiting for his tickets for tomorrow’s sell-out Rugby World Cup match at The John Smith’s Stadium – despite ordering them in May.
Liam McParland, 47, of Crosland Moor, paid for two tickets to the England v Ireland match but says he has still not received them.
A Giants season ticket holder, he hopes to take partner Gwen to the match.
Mr McParland, a former council housing officer who is now writing a novel about rugby, said: “I phoned up around May 10 and ordered the tickets but they still haven’t arrived.
“I just think it’s a bit incompetent for something that’s a World Cup, a big thing. It’s not just for myself, but other people who may be worried also.”
Last Friday, the Examiner reported that many worried fans who had paid for tickets were still waiting for them.
Organisers explained that there had been “a problem at the printers” and more tickets would be printed for the game which will attract 24,500 people.
Partners Ticketmaster, who were involved in the printing of tickets, found that a ‘technical error’ had occurred during the printing process and a limited number of tickets did not print.
Yesterday Rachel Chambers, ticket office administrator at the stadium, urged anyone affected not to panic.
“There has been an issue, a mishap and tickets weren’t printed,” she said.
“Anyone who has not received their tickets should pop down to see us and we can sort it out.
“There’s not a problem even if they come on the day, though it would be better if they came beforehand.”
She said anyone affected should take their email confirmation with them.
She added that there were still around 80 tickets available.
Mr McParland said: “I’m glad to hear that but I think the ticketing has been badly handled.
“Having said that, I am really looking forward to the match.”
There are still tickets for sale on the door at today’s Rugby League World Cup Celebration Day at The John Smith’s Stadium, 9.30am.
Tickets cost £10 and include exhibitions by 12 leading clubs, include cups, kit, film and literature.
Starting at 11.30am, speakers include Garry Schofield, Robbie Hunter-Paul and Bev Risman,
