Scarborough boss Rudy Funk’s side won 3-1 at Goole, but the game was marred by the increase in the admission price
Christmas is the season of goodwill. Harrogate Town let under 18s in for a pound, but Goole did something not in the spirit of Christmas – they upped their admission fee to £9 for Scarborough Athletic fans yesterday.
Looking at the Goole AFC website, there is no mention of any increase to the entry cost so it is hardly surprising that the Scarborough fans were taken aback when their £7 was not enough to get them in the ground. The only saving grace for them is that Rudy Funk’s men won 3-1.
Two pound might not seem a lot of money, but it is a point of principle. If Goole needed extra stewarding and informed people of the increase a while ago then it could be understood. However, that is the case and it can be said that they did it with the intention of making money.
The reaction on Twitter and Facebook was understandable and a robust response from the Evo Stik League is needed. Questions like whether clubs can increase their admission costs like that in accordance with league rules need answering. Clarification is needed.
It is silence at the moment. Even the Scarborough Athletic official website has yet to comment. Surely the club would want to defend its supporters and issue a statement giving their version of events or demanding the league take action. Instead it seems to be maintaining radio silence on the matter. FC United showed how to handle these types of situations last week in the AFC Fylde situation with their quickly written statement. We haven’t even got one from Scarborough.
What Goole have done is disgraceful and immoral. If they have adhered or broken the rules then my suggestion to the league is to order Goole to donate the profits from the gate receipts to charity.