Blues fans slam 'sorry state' of Wembley tickets

Southend United fans have criticised the "sorry state" of ticket sales for their National League play-off final against Oldham Athletic.

Rail engineering works on the day of the Wembley clash means the ticket allocation for both sides has been capped at 21,500 each.

On Monday - as hundreds queued for tickets at the club's Roots Hall ground - one supporter said: "There are going to be disappointed fans out there,"

A spokesperson for Wembley Stadium said fans' safety was "paramount".

Stadium officials have shared safety concerns about the game as no London Underground trains will stop at Wembley Park station on match day.

Southend and Oldham were initially allocated just 17,500 tickets each, although that was raised to 21,500 after wide backlash.

Critics have included MPs, broadcaster Jeff Stelling and former Southend, Nottingham Forest, Liverpool and England striker Stan Collymore.

Southend supporters told the BBC the situation had dampened their spirits.

"There are going to be disappointed fans out there," said Jack Racey, who was among those vying for a ticket.

"Just because the team has dropped down a couple of leagues, doesn't mean it hasn't got the fan base," Mr Racey said.

"We weren't anticipating to make the final but we have, so adjustments have got to be made."

Steve Burgess added: "It's ridiculous, if this was a Premier League side playing at Wembley they wouldn't have reduced the allocation."

Officials from both football clubs have continued to hold meetings with the stadium over whether more tickets could be offered.

An extra 2,722 tickets went on sale to Blues fans on Monday, with 1,663 of those sold as part of coach packages.

In a post on X, Collymore said the Mayor of London's office was hopeful capacity could be upped to at least 60,000.

Speaking to the BBC, Shrimper Dave Latham said: "The situation has been a little bit negative and a little bit dire.

"But we're all great supporters of this club."

Dean Latham was turned away from the ticket office after an hour and a half of queuing on Sunday.

"It's a bit of a sorry state but what can you do?," he said.

"We can only do our best and queue because we're all loyal supporters of this club."

A Wembley Stadium spokesman said "the safety and security of fans" was of "paramount importance".

The railway work could not be moved, they explained.

Transport for London said it would run more Bakerloo line trains to serve Wembley Central, while Chiltern Railways planned extra services to Wembley Stadium.

The final is due to kick off at 15:00 BST on Sunday.

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