Portsmouth have announced a series of options to compensate season ticket holders following the cancellation of their home fixture with Bury FC.
The Shakers were expelled from the EFL in August after a catalogue of financial troubles meant controversial owner Steve Dale was unable to satisfy the league the club had the money available to complete the season.
The expulsion has left all the club’s in League One with one fewer home fixture, and Portsmouth is to our knowledge the first outfit to break ranks and offer compensation to season ticket holders.
In a statement on the club’s official website, the club said after consultation with the Tony Goodall Fans’ Conference and Heritage & Advisory Board they would offer fans three options. Supporters can claim a refund, obtain a free ticket to watch Pompey Women play at Fratton Park or make a donation to Pompey academy.
The news received a mixed reaction on social media. Plenty of fans felt the club was making it hard to claim the money back while many hardcore fans expressed surprise anyone would want to request the refund. Others speculated on a few humorous alternatives that might have appeased fans while many suggested the money should go to the Bury Pheonix club to help them get off the ground. Plenty suggested they could keep the cash if Pompey sacked Kenny Jackett, even though his team have recently found a bit of form.
Here is a small selection of responses to the announcement on Twitter.
Would of preferred beer or food vouchers tbh.
— Neil Nutbeam 🏴🇬🇧🇦🇺🇹🇭 (@NeilNutbeam) November 25, 2019
Think it’s an absolute joke people would actually want something back
— Ben Pay (@bpay12) November 25, 2019
Or as an option. Donate to bury. We were so nearly them so why not give back and help them start up?
— AddisonLeng (@addisonleng) November 25, 2019
Jesus Christ, can't believe some people are screaming for a refund. Even on the most expensive ticket it's only just over £19.
— Dean Probert (@deanprobert89) November 26, 2019
If you sack Kenny you can keep it😂
— Jon Glen (@jon_glen) November 25, 2019
Ipswixh arent refunding I believe (Tho I don’t have a season ticket). To be honest I think it’s a nice touch but I don’t think a refund is at all necessary
— Alysha Millie 🇺🇦 (@alyshamillie) November 25, 2019
Would be better if there was an option to donate to @buryfcofficial. Go to helping to get the football club up and running once again #Pompey
— JMcVicar53 (@ThatGuyJish) November 25, 2019
3 decent options and I dare say a lot more than most other teams are offering.. Our are going to the Academy!
— Ben Bissett (@pfc_benbissett) November 26, 2019
£25 for the ticket? The amount involved is actually 1/23rd of your ST price which is roughly £17 for an adult!
— Deeps (@winchblue) November 25, 2019
