Fury over ticketing bungle

FOOTY fans have been left in limbo after buying tickets to the AFL Grand Final only to be told there was no record of the purchase.

Furious AFL members have demanded answers — and their seat at the MCG on Saturday — after having money deducted from their bank accounts but no tickets sent in return.

As police and the State Government yesterday vowed a crackdown on ticket scalpers at the game, the AFL asked Ticketek to explain and resolve cases of Grand Final ticket confusion.

AFL operations manager Travis Auld confirmed at least 30 AFL members had complained about paying for tickets but being left emptyhanded and hoped the fans would be accommodated.

“We’ve certainly become aware there is a small number of supporters who think they have purchased a ticket and haven’t received one,’’ he said.

Ticketek managing director Cameron Hoy said the organisation would personally contact all affected patrons.

“Unfortunately not all were able to secure the tickets they wanted,” he said.

He said all fans who had their credit cards debited without securing tickets would receive a full refund.

It comes as Melbourne’s Denise Allen warned fans to beware buying tickets from online resale sites after being scammed at Friday’s Geelong-Sydney Preliminary Final at the MCG.

Ms Allen purchased a pass with a friend online only to be turned away at the gate and told they were fraudulent tickets.

Police Minister Lisa Neville said police would be looking for scalpers on Grand Final day. Selling Grand Final tickets for above face value is a criminal offence and carries fines up to $9330.