Wigan Warriors Fixture in Doubt as Leigh Leopards Indicate Intent to Forfeit semi-Final
Wigan Warriors have announced that Leigh Leopards have informed them they do not intend to play Friday’s Super League semi-final. Wigan received written notification from Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont at 10.37pm on Tuesday, September 30th.
the dispute centres around the allocation of tickets for away supporters. Wigan offered Leigh Leopards a choice of 4,600 unreserved seats or 5,400 reserved seats in the north Stand.
Wigan maintains the allocation was determined in consultation wiht the independent safety Advisory Group, the club’s Ground Safety Officer, and the police. Super League also “sought separate safety advice” and ”fully endorsed this approach,” according to Wigan. The offered allocation is almost double the 10% minimum requirement for away fans.
“While we regret that Leigh Leopards found this arrangement unacceptable, our club is legally, and professionally, bound to comply with the directions of our Ground Safety Officer and the conditions of our Ground Safety Certificate,” Wigan stated. “The safety and welfare of all supporters must come first. This is not open to negotiation and underpins every decision we make.”
Wigan finished the regular season one place and three points ahead of Leigh. The winner of the semi-final is scheduled to face either Hull KR or St Helens in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on Saturday, October 11th. Wigan says they continue to prepare for Friday’s match and will provide further updates as the situation evolves.
