MPs call for more Latics tickets

An Oldham MP has spoken out over a ‘devastating’ decision that could stop thousands of fans from watching a momentous moment in the borough’s sporting history. 

Oldham Athletic FC will play Southend at Wembley on Sunday, June 1, the first time the club has visited the iconic stadium in over 30 years.

But ticket allocations for the game were initially capped at just 17,500 per club due to engineering works at nearby Wembley Park station. 

Though Latics fans were granted an additional 4,000 seats on Sunday, May 25, Oldham MPs argue the figure is still ‘nowhere near enough’. 

MP Debbie Abrahams said: “I know that there are many passionate fans who are disappointed with the number of tickets issued and I share their concerns. 

“This is a hugely important match for both Oldham and Southend, and it is clear the original allocation was no way near enough. Whilst I appreciate and am thankful for the recent extra allocations of 4,000 tickets, I note that they are already close to selling out. 

“It would be devastating to thousands of fans if they are unable to attend a once in a lifetime match due to low ticket allocation.” 

The representative for Oldham East and Saddleworth pointed out that despite the station closure and concerns around health and safety, there is "a lot of infrastructure in the area’, including alternative arrival points such as Wembley Station and Wembley Stadium stations. Abrahams shared that she’d ‘written to the Government, Mayor of London and FA to urge them to explore every avenue possible to safely increase the allocation".

And MP Jim McMahon has also voiced his dismay over the way tickets have been handled. The Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton representative will be attending the match on Sunday but said there was ‘a long queue of people’ who wouldn’t be able to show their support. 

Speaking to Oldham Community Radio, he claimed at least 5,000 more tickets would be needed to meet demand. 

McMahon added: “I think given that this is such a momentous occasion, given hopefully it marks the new era for the club, where we’ve all really got behind it because of the importance it has and our confidence and past, and also our future, I absolutely want to be part of that and I know there are many thousands of people from Oldham who feel the same.”