Alan Hardy issues statement on additional Notts County ticket checks

Alan Hardy has stated that additional turnstile checks at Meadow Lane on Saturday for Notts County's game against Newport County were put in place to stop people using "tickets to which they are not entitled".

In a statement published on the club site, he said: "As part of the club's open, honest and transparent lines of communication, we wish to clarify the reasoning behind the recent decision to introduce spot ticket checks inside the stadium.

"We have been made aware that a small group are abusing our ticketing policy by using tickets to which they are not entitled.

"Put simply, they are buying discounted concession tickets for youngsters and senior citizens and passing them on to be used by adults.

"This is defrauding the club of a considerable amount of money which would be used to help our future development across all levels, while it is also wholly unfair on honest supporters who pay the correct amount.

"I am extremely passionate about encouraging the next generation of young Notts fans to come and watch us by making it as affordable as possible but we have to put a stop to this wilful abuse of our ticketing initiatives.

"With immediate effect, I have instructed all our turnstile operators to adopt higher levels of vigilance upon entry and the club will also be utilising additional stewards to check tickets inside the ground.

"I would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and ask supporters to give themselves a little extra time to gain entrance into the stadium at future matches while we address this issue."

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