Pontefract Collieries
Pontefract Collieries have been financially boosted after an increase in pre-match raffle tickets sales in the past two weeks – and even the players got involved.
The Colls say that they have been making 60% more than normal since Selby Town chairman Ralph Pearse criticised a small minority of match officials for not buying them
A spokesman said: “Although the comments were directed at referees, we think it has certainly made everyone think, not just referees.
“People who don’t normally buy them as they come through the turnstile are doing so. Even the players are getting involved. At the home game after the article, the management team handed us £17 from the players for raffle tickets.
“It is brilliant to see. If we continue taking the same amount in raffle ticket sales each week, it will come to a big figure at the end of the season. It is much-needed revenue for any club at this level.”
The comments by Mr Pearse prompted a huge debate.
The comments section was flooded with views, including one from a match official who confessed to not buying raffle tickets, but said that referees were badly paid for the hours they put in.