Wolves launch investigation into stadium lock-out (From Warrington Guardian)

Wolves launch investigation into stadium lock-out

AN investigation is under way to find out why hundreds of Warrington Wolves fans were locked out of the club's first game at the new Halliwell Jones Stadium on Saturday evening, despite holding tickets.

As many as 2,000 supporters, including many season ticket holders, missed all or part of the game after the turnstiles were closed.

It has now emerged that many of the fans inside the ground may have been carrying forged or black market tickets.

Frantic scenes developed outside the stadium as kick-off approached, with some fans trying to climb over the walls and others forcing their way over turnstiles.

Eventually, many were forced to watch in nearby pubs or from the touchlines as the terracing was full.

The Warrington Guardian's post bag has been flooded with complaints.

One example was Ian Dykes, who travelled to the game from Wales. He said: "There were a lot of young children who were clearly upset. I have supported this club when the attendance was as low as 3,000 and they need to apologize to the fans who went away in disgust."

A club spokesman said: "Warrington Wolves are holding an inquiry today into the incidents that took place on Saturday night on their home opener against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats at The Halliwell Jones Stadium.

"A statement will be issued before noon tomorrow (Tuesday) with the results of the inquiry."

A spokesman for Cheshire Constabulary added that the police would be involved in negotiations and would comment more fully after tmeeting with officials from the club.

He said: "They are discussing the problems at a meeting and we are aware that there have been reports of forged tickets."

For a full reaction to the investigation and more views from fans, read Thursday's Warrington Guardian.