Reaction to Ticket Problems at Turners Cross

Both Glentoran and FORAS have released strong statements regarding the FAI's handling of the Setanta Cup situation which has already overshadowed tomorrow nights Final at Turner's Cross.

Building work has been on-going at the Saint Annes end of the ground since September and it was expected to be completed well before the game. After the semi-final the announcement was made that Turners Cross would hold the show-piece but the capacity has now been cut down by over two thousand seats and only 4,300 fans will be able to witness the crowning of a new Setanta Sports Cup champion.

Glentoran were originally promised 1500 tickets but their allocation was cut by 400 tickets. This left club chairman, Aubry Ralph more than annoyed at the situation. In a letter to Milo Corcoran of the FAI, Ralph is quoted as saying “The treatment of Glentoran FC and its supporters is quite frankly disgraceful and disrespectful.”

“We now face the ridiculous situation where one of the most prestigious games on the Island will take place in front of an empty stand with genuine supporters being denied the ability to follow their team.” added Ralph.

Meanwhile, FORAS released a statement outlining their annoyance at both the MFA and FAI's failings. The statement, which was entitled 'an own goal before a ball is kicked' begun strongly as they reitereated the problems the associations poor decision making has caused to fans of both clubs.

It read: “The controversy surrounding the showpiece final and the closure of the St.Anne’s end of Turner’s Cross has done nothing to promote, foster or develop the game of Football on this island. Instead thousands of supporters are left ticketless. At a time when Irish Football is going through unprecedented changes and challenges, the above commitment must be paramount in every decision the FAI takes. “

Tickets for the game have been sold out for days with hundreds of die-hard fans left to watch it on the TV. Strong security measures will also be put in place around the Turners Cross vicinity to stop ticketless supporters from entering the ground illegaly.

The full statements are available to read on glentoran.com and forastrust.ie, respectively.