Barnsley have hit back in the row over ticketing for this weekend’s play-off final.
The Tykes are set to face Sheffield Wednesday in a local derby, played almost 200 miles away in London. In one corner, Michael Duff’s outfit, relegated a year ago from the Championship and seeking an immediate return. In the other corner, Darren Moore’s Owls, seemingly down and out after their play-off final first leg, having amassed 96 points during the normal season.
It is anything but a normal play-off final, and the row over ticketing has rumbled on throughout the week. Sheffield Wednesday, a notoriously well-supported club, sold out their allocation quickly. Barnsley were unable to do so, which left many Owls’ fans unhappy.
The FA intervened yesterday and reallocated 6,000 tickets to Sheff Weds’ supporters. That means more blues than reds in the stadium, but they won’t be in opposite corners – Owls fans will be situated above their rivals. That led to Barnsley releasing a strongly-worded message in response.
“Barnsley Football Club is disappointed to learn that the English Football League (EFL) has reallocated the total amount of tickets for the Sky Bet League One Play-Off Final.
“The EFL requested 6,000 of Barnsley FC’s allocated tickets to be available to Sheffield Wednesday supporters in Tier 5 on Wednesday, which was opposed by the Club.
“Whilst we acknowledge the reasons offered up in terms of the current sales totals of both clubs, the potential risk to our supporters was our main concern. However, the EFL is confident that the safety measures put in place are sufficient.”
It isn’t the first time two play-off teams have seemingly had different treatment at a play-off final. In 2021, during Covid regulations, Blackpool supporters gathered at one end, bunched together, to offer vocal support to their team, whilst Lincoln City fans were made to remain socially distanced and unable to get an atmosphere. On that occasion, Blackpool won 2-1, with the winner coming at the end in front of their supporters.
Barnsley reached the play-off final after beating Bolton in a tightly contested second leg, following a 1-1 draw away. Sheff Weds made headlines around the world by overhauling a four-goal deficit, then conceding, before scoring a fifth and winning on penalties against beleaguered Peterborough United.
Writer’s View
It’s a tough call to make – fairness is one element of the play-off final, but if tickets remain unsold, it isn’t fair to punish a well-supported team if their rivals cannot match their supporter numbers.
The onus will clearly be on the stewards and EFL to ensure supporter safety. That hasn’t been something Wembley has been able to provide for England matches, which surely raises concerns for Tykes’ supporters this weekend.
How have barnsley fans got the cheek with how some fan reacted running on the pitch beating Bolton nearly knocking me son over wall in process and that out own fans it will us the start with Sheffield weds none the less come on you reds 👏 👍