Chez Posted 5 June, 2013 Share Posted 5 June, 2013 (edited) It might not be a club anymore, but I'm sure common sense will prevail. If not, "the Southampton Way, quality in everything we do, by never standing still we find a better way, we don't follow, we lead, and others follow our example" will seem very hollow indeed. As I said I'm sure once the football business understand that there are a few people that fall between the gaps they will refine their process. Edited 5 June, 2013 by Chez Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 5 June, 2013 Share Posted 5 June, 2013 I don't believe the club or any socially responsible organisation would deliberately try to screw a genuinely disabled person out of a ticket. More likely they have policy that doesn't cater for this precise situation and will be grateful to have it raised with them. I'd suggest trying to escalate within the club before engaging a media **** storm. Good luck. Sent from my RM-821_eu_euro1_276 using Board Express Spot on - either way, hope it gets sorted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benjii Posted 5 June, 2013 Share Posted 5 June, 2013 Sounds like an unintended consequence of some rules which appear to attempt to place some sort of defined parameters around what constitutes a disability (which is clearly a reasonable thing to try to define). I expect and hope it will all be fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_Jonny Posted 5 June, 2013 Share Posted 5 June, 2013 Not wanting to play devils advocate here but I can see why the club has the rule it does. If you are disabled, and as such cannot work, and therefore receive state help, that is evidence to the club that you are not a chancer just trying to get a discount, I'm sure they've had plenty of mongs try that on in the past. Using common since, they really should be making an exception in this case. Where is the common sense? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 5 June, 2013 Share Posted 5 June, 2013 you want to have a word with Saints Disabled Supporters Association who agreed dumb requirements: http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/fans/disabled-supporters/ http://www.saintsdsa.org.uk/ They need a kick up the arse for allowing a situation to remain where disabled fans cannot buy away tickets online as well, so who are the ones queuing outside the ground at 9am when away tickets go on sale ? All the disabled fans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 5 June, 2013 Author Share Posted 5 June, 2013 Adam blackmore on twitter has said he'll ask the club about this in the morning and if he could get the name of the family involved it would be a great help. Appreciate your help, I've been given the name of someone at SFC who maybe able to help so we will be going down that route in the morning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MOSaint Posted 5 June, 2013 Share Posted 5 June, 2013 Appreciate your help, I've been given the name of someone at SFC who maybe able to help so we will be going down that route in the morning. no problem, best of luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 5 June, 2013 Author Share Posted 5 June, 2013 Not wanting to play devils advocate here but I can see why the club has the rule it does. If you are disabled, and as such cannot work, and therefore receive state help, that is evidence to the club that you are not a chancer just trying to get a discount, I'm sure they've had plenty of mongs try that on in the past. Using common since, they really should be making an exception in this case. Where is the common sense? I agree, you don't want people taking the p*ss and you need a policy, I understand SFCs policy was agreed by Saints disabled association so they've put some thought into it, it angered me that they have told him now he's not allowed a disabled ticket when he's actually more disabled now than he was when he first got one and he's an existing season ticket holder who has already proven his disabled. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 5 June, 2013 Author Share Posted 5 June, 2013 Not wanting to play devils advocate here but I can see why the club has the rule it does. If you are disabled, and as such cannot work, and therefore receive state help, that is evidence to the club that you are not a chancer just trying to get a discount, I'm sure they've had plenty of mongs try that on in the past. Using common since, they really should be making an exception in this case. Where is the common sense? I agree, you don't want people taking the p*ss and you need a policy, I understand SFCs policy was agreed by Saints disabled association so they've put some thought into it, it angered me that they have told him now he's not allowed a disabled ticket when he's actually more disabled now than he was when he first got one and he's an existing season ticket holder who has already proven his disabled. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Duckhunter Posted 5 June, 2013 Share Posted 5 June, 2013 My mum worked for social services for many years and her job involved placing people with these terrible illnesses in care homes, in the vast majority of cases it is incredibly upset setting for them and their families, so I really feel for the op and can understand why this action by the club leaves such a bitter taste in the mouth. I'm sure that its just an unintended consequence of their eligibility test coupled with some jobsworth with no empathy or common sense (at least I hope that's what it is). I just hope it can all be sorted quickly and with no more upset. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_clark Posted 5 June, 2013 Share Posted 5 June, 2013 I would hope this is one of those situations where someone is following a set of rules that did not cover this situation - and that elevated to the appropriate level, would be quickly rectified. If not...I'm sure the Echo would love to run with this story. This, the lowest level of staff will simply follow the rules and when questioned shrug and say "I'm only doing what I'm told". If taken to someone with authority I'd be amazed if this isn't sorted out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DuncanRG Posted 5 June, 2013 Share Posted 5 June, 2013 Sorry to hear about this. Please try and sort it with the club first though, because chances are they'll have it fixed as soon as somebody realises what's happened. If they really won't do a thing to help, then by all means tell the media Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smirking_Saint Posted 5 June, 2013 Share Posted 5 June, 2013 Sorry to hear about this Turks, it is certainly a v bad show from the club and hopefully a bit of sense will prevail. Have you tried talking to someone any higher up ? Like the head of the ticket office ?! I have found a lot of the time with largish companies the drones at the bottom level can barely think coherantly let alone make a fairly straightforward commen sense decision. Usually these things can get resolved by talking to someone who has a bit more savvy. It is certainly a v poor show though, and even if it does get resolved I can see how it leaves a bad taste in the mouth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OttawaSaint Posted 5 June, 2013 Share Posted 5 June, 2013 Bad form from SFC. If you get into the paper can you promise to have a picture taken that is even more epic than that one with Kirk from Corrie and his dad in the sash kit? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saints triumph Posted 5 June, 2013 Share Posted 5 June, 2013 You'd think so wouldn't you bear. Apparently the reason my brother was told he is not elidgable is because he no longer receives incapacity benefit. Excuse my confusion I THOUGHT IT WAS YOUR FATHER Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 5 June, 2013 Share Posted 5 June, 2013 Excuse my confusion I THOUGHT IT WAS YOUR FATHER The reason his brother was told he [his father] was not eligible... etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saints boy in Leeds Posted 5 June, 2013 Share Posted 5 June, 2013 That's shocking mate, I hope its reversed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
student Posted 6 June, 2013 Share Posted 6 June, 2013 Twitter is always the way forward these days, if you ever need to complain and want to be taken seriously and not fobbed off then that is the place. Companies don't like being dragged through mud in the public eye. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saints triumph Posted 6 June, 2013 Share Posted 6 June, 2013 The reason his brother was told he [his father] was not eligible... etc. Thanks for taking the time to explain. Must echo the sentiments of fellow posters, totally shocking decision, hope it gets a satisfactory conclusion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanadaSaint Posted 6 June, 2013 Share Posted 6 June, 2013 I can't imagine that this horrendous decision will last much past tomorrow. If it does it will become much bigger news in a hurry, and rightly so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaintBobby Posted 6 June, 2013 Share Posted 6 June, 2013 A serious post from me for once. My dad has been a season ticket holder for years. 4 years ago he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's his condition has got worse over the time and he is now in a wheelchair, unable to walk, is incontinent and cannot attend matches of indeed do anything without the assistance of a carer. For the last three seasons he has had a season ticket in the disabled area and my sister has gone to games as his carer and has benefited form the disabled discount available. He was moved into a home around a year ago so he can get the specialist care he needs and in truth football is now th only bit of enjoyment he gets. However this season when my brother went to renew the tickets the club have decided he no longer qualifies for a disabled season ticket. The reason? That because he now lives in a care home and his incapacity benefit is paid directly to the home and no longer to him in the clubs eyes he is not disabled and there not elidgable for a disabled ticket. Clearly its impossible for him to sit anywhere else in the ground and unless the club reverse their decision they will be losing a couple of fans next season. IMO this is totally disgusting and disgraceful behaviour from the club and I just wanted to make you aware of how they are treating a lifelong fan and long term season ticket holder. Effectively anyone that lives in a care home is not considered disabled in the eyes of our club. Thanks SFC. Should I subsidise his seat? If not, who should? Sorry for your dad's situation, but just let me know how we can/should help him - preferably without you being "disgusted". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bwanamakubwa Posted 6 June, 2013 Share Posted 6 June, 2013 Appreciate your help, I've been given the name of someone at SFC who maybe able to help so we will be going down that route in the morning. I know of a similar situation last year - with a well written letter to the club explaining the situation the chap was given a season ticket for free and the person who took him to games given a season ticket at concession prices. The club acted admirably. Not sure if he will get the same treatment this year but I hope you sort your situation out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint si Posted 6 June, 2013 Share Posted 6 June, 2013 Perhaps consider throwing the Disability Discrimination Act at them? By refusing to sell him a disabled ticket, they are effectively denying him access to the service they provide. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 6 June, 2013 Author Share Posted 6 June, 2013 (edited) Should I subsidise his seat? If not, who should? Sorry for your dad's situation, but just let me know how we can/should help him - preferably without you being "disgusted". Why are you subsidising his seat? Are you subsidising the seat for every child that goes that doesn't pay full adult price? Edited 6 June, 2013 by Turkish Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dibden Purlieu Saint Posted 6 June, 2013 Share Posted 6 June, 2013 Ok, this is an awful situation, and I agree I'd be livid Turks. However, I don't for one second believe that this is the policy they mean to have, but more that the people involved aren't fully aware of the implications of that rule. I fully expect this to be overturned Turks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bucks Saint Posted 6 June, 2013 Share Posted 6 June, 2013 Ok, this is an awful situation, and I agree I'd be livid Turks. However, I don't for one second believe that this is the policy they mean to have, but more that the people involved aren't fully aware of the implications of that rule. I fully expect this to be overturned Turks. 100% this. Shocking lack of common sense so far though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dibden Purlieu Saint Posted 6 June, 2013 Share Posted 6 June, 2013 100% this. Shocking lack of common sense so far though Yep, although to a degree how else do you prove this? I have to admit I'm not aware of the way disability is handled by companies, and what 'official' proof you can give. Sense will prevail though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sour Mash Posted 6 June, 2013 Share Posted 6 June, 2013 Should I subsidise his seat? If not, who should? Sorry for your dad's situation, but just let me know how we can/should help him - preferably without you being "disgusted". I'm not sure what point you're trying to make? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bucks Saint Posted 6 June, 2013 Share Posted 6 June, 2013 Yep, although to a degree how else do you prove this? I have to admit I'm not aware of the way disability is handled by companies, and what 'official' proof you can give. Sense will prevail though. Some local authorities seem to have a scheme for registering for local care, bus passes etc, which, once complete, gives you a card proving you are disbabled. This card is for life. This is on the very logical basis that if you have lost sight, hearing, limbs or have a serious mental health issue like alzheimer's, these are unlikely to get better any time. Sadly not all local authorities do this. I sympathise hugely. My mum has alzheimer's and is too far advanced to be able to attend any public event. Hope this gets resolved soon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egg Posted 6 June, 2013 Share Posted 6 June, 2013 I'm not sure what point you're trying to make? That he's an idiot. He makes it well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Millbrook Saint Posted 6 June, 2013 Share Posted 6 June, 2013 This sounds to me as if they just haven't got a procedure in place for this. The monkeys in the ticket office probably have a procedure for disability tickets ie proof with some sort of disability payment book and if the procedure isn't followed they get reprimanded. The office workers probably don't have the authorisation to treat each case individually, I suspect if you were to arrange a meeting with the ticket office manager to explain the situation they'd be more sympathetic and may well introduce a new procedure for fellas in your Dad's predicament. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alpine_saint Posted 6 June, 2013 Share Posted 6 June, 2013 Should I subsidise his seat? If not, who should? Sorry for your dad's situation, but just let me know how we can/should help him - preferably without you being "disgusted". There's always one. Hope this gets sorted, Turk. You should deffo engage with the club and only go to the media when you feel that avenue is exhausted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alpine_saint Posted 6 June, 2013 Share Posted 6 June, 2013 That he's an idiot. He makes it well. Yep. Always though him to a be complete sociopath, especially how he reduces everything to odds and percentages. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alain Perrin Posted 6 June, 2013 Share Posted 6 June, 2013 Twitter is always the way forward these days, if you ever need to complain and want to be taken seriously and not fobbed off then that is the place. Companies don't like being dragged through mud in the public eye. Twitter has it's use but,in common with some of the responses on here, is very much a shoot first, ask questions later tool. First port of call should be to escalate within the club (quietly) and then if no action unleash the dogs of cyberspace. Sent from my RM-821_eu_euro1_276 using Board Express Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alain Perrin Posted 6 June, 2013 Share Posted 6 June, 2013 Oh ****. I agree with Alpine. Pass my pistol..... Sent from my RM-821_eu_euro1_276 using Board Express Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ladysaint Posted 6 June, 2013 Share Posted 6 June, 2013 Disgraceful hopefully they will review the case and offer him a free season ticket for the upset they have caused. My Mum has Alzheimers, it is such a terrible disease, football must bring some respite to your Dad. Keep us updated on the progress and response if not let me know as I, and I am sure others would help financially to enable your Dad to continue supporting the Saints, but that most probably isnt the point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solentstars Posted 6 June, 2013 Share Posted 6 June, 2013 Yep. Always though him to a be complete sociopath, especially how he reduces everything to odds and percentages.agree lets hope he never has anyone close to him go threw that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ART Posted 6 June, 2013 Share Posted 6 June, 2013 Firstly I am really sorry to read about your dad's health. Alzheimers is very close to my heart in support along with Cystic fibrosis. To learn of how your father's application has been treated by the club is appalling but I can believe the staff have to follow certain rules. Your brother should have been given a copy of the regulations and what to to make an appeal. A letter from the nursing home confirming your father's condition and how much Saints is high priority in his daily life, may have helped. You have my every support and if I can be of any help please let me know. An online petition may be a further option to bring more awareness of the situation. Saint Charlie would be your man to get it up and running Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 6 June, 2013 Author Share Posted 6 June, 2013 Cheers all. As I mentioned briefly someone from the club got in touch via Facebook last night and has said to send all the info they will try to help. We will go down that route first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CB Saint Posted 6 June, 2013 Share Posted 6 June, 2013 Terrible treatment. It sounds like a well intentioned policy that has be poorly applied once it got to the coal face. A thought. Your dad still receives the benefit, just that it is paid directly to the home. That means he still qualifies under the club rules. Is there any paperwork which says that is where is benefit is being paid and surely that would suffice. Good luck and let's hope common sense prevails. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rooney Posted 6 June, 2013 Share Posted 6 June, 2013 This is a poor decision by somebody at the club where black is black and nobody can see the lighter shades of grey. Father's illness is disturbing enough as it is without all this worry. Can you not make an appointment to see NC at the club and take brother and father with you, as I am sure that would sought things out in a more sensible way? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trousers Posted 6 June, 2013 Share Posted 6 June, 2013 Your dad still receives the benefit I think Turkish clarified that the benefit in question actually stopped as a result of moving into the care home (i.e. it was a benefit given to people with this condition who still live in their own home). It's that anomaly that seems to have triggered a loophole in the conditions. Totally agree that the club should have dealt with this properly and decently at source rather than fobbing someone off out of hand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 6 June, 2013 Author Share Posted 6 June, 2013 Well chaps and chapess, I have good news to report. The club called my brother first thing this morning and said my dad could have a disabled ticket. The power of social Media huh! Good news and fair play to SFC for seeing sense and sorting it quickly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alpine_saint Posted 6 June, 2013 Share Posted 6 June, 2013 Well chaps and chapess, I have good news to report. The club called my brother first thing this morning and said my dad could have a disabled ticket. The power of social Media huh! Good news and fair play to SFC for seeing sense and sorting it quickly. Great news. Well done SFC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustMike Posted 6 June, 2013 Share Posted 6 June, 2013 Well chaps and chapess, I have good news to report. The club called my brother first thing this morning and said my dad could have a disabled ticket. The power of social Media huh! Good news and fair play to SFC for seeing sense and sorting it quickly. Excellent news! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank's cousin Posted 6 June, 2013 Share Posted 6 June, 2013 Well chaps and chapess, I have good news to report. The club called my brother first thing this morning and said my dad could have a disabled ticket. The power of social Media huh! Good news and fair play to SFC for seeing sense and sorting it quickly. Great news.... but do you not think that words like 'disgraceful' , disgusting etc, were perhaps premature in hindsight, given that it appears that this is a case of the current rules/regs not covering your father's situation, and that once this was highlighted to thsoe with the poere to look into these things, teh correct decsion was made? I would be disgusted with the club if they refused a disabled ticket to your father, but seems to me a fair few on here have a case of 'premature speculation'... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dibden Purlieu Saint Posted 6 June, 2013 Share Posted 6 June, 2013 Well chaps and chapess, I have good news to report. The club called my brother first thing this morning and said my dad could have a disabled ticket. The power of social Media huh! Good news and fair play to SFC for seeing sense and sorting it quickly. Good news. It was obviously just a mistake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alpine_saint Posted 6 June, 2013 Share Posted 6 June, 2013 Great news.... but do you not think that words like 'disgraceful' , disgusting etc, were perhaps premature in hindsight, given that it appears that this is a case of the current rules/regs not covering your father's situation, and that once this was highlighted to thsoe with the poere to look into these things, teh correct decsion was made? I would be disgusted with the club if they refused a disabled ticket to your father, but seems to me a fair few on here have a case of 'premature speculation'... Do leave it out....Everyone is entitled to an initial emotional response to a situation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 6 June, 2013 Author Share Posted 6 June, 2013 Great news.... but do you not think that words like 'disgraceful' , disgusting etc, were perhaps premature in hindsight, given that it appears that this is a case of the current rules/regs not covering your father's situation, and that once this was highlighted to thsoe with the poere to look into these things, teh correct decsion was made? I would be disgusted with the club if they refused a disabled ticket to your father, but seems to me a fair few on here have a case of 'premature speculation'... No. There is still a chance I might get 'illingsworthed' for slagging the club off on a forum though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pingwing Posted 6 June, 2013 Share Posted 6 June, 2013 Glad to see it is all sorted Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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