Ticket row throws Super League playoffs into turmoil as Leigh threaten to pull out

Super League’s playoffs have been thrown into turmoil after Leigh Leopards’ owner threatened to withdraw his side from Friday’s semi-final against Wigan over a row surrounding ticketing allocations.

With the winners progressing to next Saturday’s Grand Final at Old Trafford, Leigh are bidding to reach the showpiece for the first time, but their participation in the game is in doubt.

Their owner, Derek Beaumont, informed Wigan on Tuesday night his club would not travel to face their local rivals after a disagreement over how many tickets the Leopards have been granted. In a strongly-worded riposte, Wigan insisted they have complied with ground safety regulations and consulted with the police on Leigh’s tickets.

The Leopards have been given the option of as many as 5,400 tickets, more than 25% of the the Brick Community Stadium’s capacity. That is well in advance of the usual 10% minimum allocation clubs are expected to provide opposition supporters for similar fixtures.

“At 10.37pm on Tuesday 30 September, our club was informed in writing by Derek Beaumont of Leigh Leopards that they do not intend to fulfil this Friday’s scheduled semi-final fixture,” Wigan said.

“We can confirm that Leigh Leopards were offered the choice of 4,600 unreserved seats or 5,400 reserved seats in the North Stand. This allocation was determined by the independent Safety Advisory Group and our Ground Safety Officer, following consultation with the police.

“The Super League also sought separate safety advice, which fully endorsed this approach. 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.

“The safety and welfare of all supporters must come first. This is not open to negotiation and underpins every decision we make. We continue to prepare for Friday’s semi-final and will release further information as the situation develops.”

The Rugby Football League and Rugby League Commercial have declined to comment. The situation is set to be discussed on Wednesday. Should Leigh go through with their threat and not play, Wigan would likely be awarded an unprecedented bye to the Grand Final. But such an outcome would cause great embarrassment for the game.

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