HEINEKEN CUP SEMI-FINALS: Gavin Cummiskeyreports on how the Leinster Branch, through Ticketmaster, withdrew the ticket allocation to 266 who misused access codes

THE LEINSTER Branch sought yesterday to defuse the debacle that led to 266 of their fans gaining repeated access to the Ticketmaster website by instructing the latter to cancel any unwarranted purchases for the Heineken Cup semi-final against Munster on May 2nd.

“Human error” on the website allowed Leinster supporters to repeatedly use the same password to purchase six tickets at a time. Munster supporters had the same access but they could only buy one ticket on each log in.

Both provinces received 30,000 tickets for the 82,300 capacity Croke Park – 23,000 of Leinster’s allocation are for distribution amongst season ticket-holders who can now only purchase two tickets each. Including family packages, Leinster have 9,500 season ticket-holders.

Leinster are keen to avoid a repeat scenario of the 2006 semi-final defeat to Munster at Lansdowne Road when many of their allocation ended up in opposition hands, a point proven by the sea of red evident in the supposedly Leinster-occupied north terrace.

“Ticketmaster, as instructed by Leinster Rugby, removed the sale of Heineken Cup semi-final tickets on Tuesday afternoon due to the fact that 266 applicants misused their access codes and exceeded the limit,” read a Leinster Branch statement. “As a result of this order duplication, Ticketmaster has cancelled all of the tickets purchased by these 266 applicants.

“Ticketmaster will now reissue codes to the remaining Leinster season ticket-holders who do not have a ticket.

“Tickets will be available to purchase online for current 2008/09 Leinster season ticket-holders from Monday, April 20th at 12 midday.

“This will enable all Leinster season ticket-holders who have not yet purchased tickets an opportunity to attend the game.”

Munster supporters club members who used the same password to exceed their limit also had their tickets voided and only printed tickets will now be accepted at Croke Park as a result of the error.

“There could still be chaos outside Croke Park and a lot of questions need to be answered,” said Munster rugby supporters club (MRSC) chairman Glenn Flanagan.

“Ticketmaster needs to be sure that all fans who are entitled to a ticket have valid tickets on the day and that they are not going to be turned away. So many tickets have been printed off by fans who bought their tickets in good faith and they now risk being denied access because they have been confused with those who bought more than the allowed amount.”

A spokesman for Ticketmaster was asked yesterday if those who purchased more than the stated amount have any legal redress to their loss of tickets and subsequently access to Croke Park: “They didn’t break the law but we’ve had to do stuff like this before. There is no legal comeback. Conditions for purchase were set out on the site. They misused the access code and exceeded the limit. This applies to Munster supporters as well.”

Despite the massive amount of confusion caused to the public, Ticketmaster have yet to apologise for the error.

The Leinster Branch were also asked whether their 266 supporters who purchased multiple tickets are still entitled to a ticket.

“They may not have the opportunity to buy tickets now as we will be looking after supporters that went by the rules first.”

Five thousand Leinster tickets are to be distributed to clubs, schools and committee members with reports from several clubs around the province indicating a substantial drop from their international allocations.

However, Leinster are the club in this instance and do not make any profit from gate receipts.

The remaining 2,000 tickets go to squad members, sponsors and – under ERC rules, the one corporate event they are permitted to host on match day.

The Munster Branch have given approximately 13,300 tickets to their clubs and a further 6,200 for their supporters club.

“There was very little disruption on our end from the ticket problem,” said Munster chief executive Garrett Fitzgerald yesterday.

“Only one ticket per person could be purchased and Ticketmaster has the technology to solve the problem just as quickly as it was caused.

“Traditionally, we have always worked closely with our clubs,” he continued.

“We hope to support all the people who have supported us through the years with tickets,” he concluded.

Ticket breakdown

30,000 tickets each in total

Leinster

23,000 — Leinster season ticket-holders

5,000 — Clubs, schools and Branch committee

2,000 — Sponsors, one corporate event, squad and management

Munster

14,800 – Clubs, referees, schools, youth and representative teams

9,300 – Supporters Club and 10-year ticket holders 3,400 – Sponsors and hospitality

1,300 – Squad and management

1,200 – Branch committee, staff and guests