Comitis blasts City, cops for barring sale of tickets
CAPE TOWN City FC chairperson John Comitis has launched a scathing attack on the City of Cape Town and the police for not allowing tickets to be sold to 800-odd fans who were stranded without tickets for the MTN8 semi-final against Bidvest Wits on Sunday.
Comitis said there was zero tolerance, zero co-operation, and it seemed the officials were more excited to deal with the possible “trouble makers” who were stuck outside. His side won the first leg 1-0. In a statement yesterday, Comitis said: “I could not get myself to celebrate when the final whistle went.
“I was angry and disappointed with the attitude of the City, and especially the police services under Colonel Engelbrecht, who would not concede to co-operate in any way to assist by allowing more tickets to be sold for the 800-odd fans stranded without tickets.
“We have worked around the clock to bring bigtime football to the city with Cape Town City, and 20 years later football is treated with the same stick as always.
“If this was a rugby Sevens game and the stadium was empty they would move Table Mountain to accommodate the fans.”
He said they were considering moving his side’s upcoming Premiership match against Kaizer Chiefs to Newlands rugby stadium, because the treatment of the club’s fans was “unacceptable”.
“I went into the VOC to try and persuade the police and ticketing security to allow for at least 800 more sales. The stadium was empty, the final figure was 3 800 but we had budgeted for 5 000. But my plea fell on deaf ears.
“After thorough investigation, we learnt that security personnel on duty at Cape Town Stadium were within legislation to handle the extra 800 spectators. What a disgrace. I can only apologise to our loyal fans. I was gutted for them,” he said.
The City said it had noted the challenges at Sunday’s fixture and that they and the football club should jointly engage the SAPS.
Mayco member for assets and facilities management Stuart Diamond said: “Cape Town City Football Club has a partnership agreement with the City of Cape Town to play all their home matches at the Cape Town Stadium.
“We are committed to ensuring that our sporting partners host successful events within the confines of the relevant legislation and by-laws.”
Police spokesperson Novella Potelwa said: “In as far as the event in question is concerned, consideration was given to safety issues as prescribed in the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act.
“It is worth mentioning that deviation from the operational plan can have dire consequences for participants and fans alike.
“It is our view that the authorised SAPS personnel acted in the interest of safety of all role players.”