Wigan Warriors have claimed Leigh Leopards do not intend to fulfil Friday’s Super League semi-final due to a dispute over ticket allocation.
Wigan said they received written notice from Leigh owner Derek Beaumont on Tuesday night that his club would not play in the match.
Leigh had been given the option of 4,600 or 5,400 tickets for their travelling supporters at the 25,000-capacity Brick Community Stadium, well above the 10 per cent minimum Wigan were required to give.
However, Wigan said Leigh were unhappy with the number of tickets received.
Leigh Leopards and the RFL have been contacted for comment.
Wigan’s statement said: “At 10.37pm on Tuesday September 30, our club was informed in writing by Derek Beaumont of Leigh Leopards that they do not intend to fulfil this Friday’s scheduled semi-final fixture.
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“We can confirm that Leigh Leopards were offered the choice of 4,600 unreserved seats or 5,400 reserved seats in the North Stand. This allocation was determined by the independent safety advisory group and our ground safety officer, following consultation with the police. The Super League also sought separate safety advice, which fully endorsed this approach.
“It is important to note that the allocation offered was well above the 10 per cent minimum required for away supporters- indeed, it was almost double that threshold.
“While we regret that Leigh Leopards found this arrangement unacceptable, our club is legally and professionally bound to comply with the directions of our ground safety officer and the conditions of our Ground Safety Certificate.
“The safety and welfare of all supporters must come first. This is not open to negotiation and underpins every decision we make. We continue to prepare for Friday’s semi-final and will release further information as the situation develops.”
Leigh ‘preparing for semi-final as normal’
Leigh recorded their highest Super League finish ever this year and reached the semi-finals thanks to an elimination play-off win over Wakefield Trinity.
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In a lengthy statement, Leigh Leopards owner Beaumont said he still hoped the fixture would go ahead.
“I sincerely hope my genuine concerns can be satisfied so the game we are still preparing as normal for can proceed as planned.
“It has always been and always will be our intention to play the game we have worked hard all season to earn the right of.
“I would not deprive our fans and players, nor myself, the opportunity to play at Old Trafford in a grand final.”
Though Beaumont confirmed he was not planning to be at Friday’s semi-final, adding: “I wasn’t attending the game, nor was my club being represented in the capacity of the boardroom.”
Super League fixturesKnockout stageElimination play-offsFri September 26: Leigh Leopards 26-10 Wakefield TrinitySat September 27 Leeds Rhinos 14-16 St HelensSemi-finalsFri October 3: Wigan Warriors vs Leigh Leopards – 8pmSat October 4: Hull KR vs St Helens – 5.30pm
Women’s Grand Final
Sun October 5: Wigan Warriors women vs St Helens women- 5.30pmGrand Final (Old Trafford)Sat October 11: TBC vs TBC – 6pm
Watch every Super League game live on Sky Sports. Watch both Super League semi-finals live on Sky Sports on October 3 and 4.