Superfan sisters cry foul over ticket policy

Jan 24 2008 by Dave Bettley, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

TWO sisters – lifelong fans of Widnes Rugby League Club – claim the Vikings are discriminating against women in their season ticket pricing for senior citizens.

They say only offering concessions to over 65s is unfair on women, who are pensioners at the age of 60.

But Vikings dispute the claims of Patricia Hares, 63, and 60-year-old Mary Attwood and say the policy is designed for equality.

Mrs Hares said: “I am classed as a pensioner from 60 and get a state pension and I just feel it is very bad discrimination against women.

“I have watched Widnes since I was four and have gone everywhere.

“I have supported them when they were getting beaten by 40 or 50 points.

“I am classed as a pensioner everywhere else and can get concessions on coach trips and cheaper bus travel but I can’t get a concession on a game of rugby. I think it’s very poor.”

Both Mrs Hares and Mrs Attwood are former Millennium holders at the club.

“I have been a Millennium holder since we were in the Northern Ford (Premiership) and in the last few years when I became 60, I got a concession,” added Mrs Attwood.

The sisters agree that the pricing structure could now discourage them from going to games.

Mrs Attwood said: “We’ve watched Widnes from being kids and it seems a bit funny. We are trying to get off the ground again.

“I would say they would lose by not offering concessions from 60.

“I am very surprised because it does encourage people to buy a ticket and that’s how they get the money in.”

Widnes Vikings’ chief executive Alex Bonney said: “Widnes Vikings is an equal opportunities club and does not tolerate discrimination of any kind.

“Widnes Vikings season tickets are available for concession to fans over the age of 65 and to students in full-time education.

“We have specifically offered tickets at discounted rate to all people over the age of 65 as we see this as the fairest way of treating our many male and female supporters equally.”