Wigan Warriors Claim Leigh Leopards Withdraw from Semi-Final

Wigan Warriors have announced that Leigh Leopards will not participate in the Super League semi-final scheduled for Friday due to a dispute over ticket allocation. According to a statement from Wigan, they received written notice from Leigh’s owner, Derek Beaumont, on the evening of September 30, 2023, confirming his club’s withdrawal from the match.

The dispute centers around the number of tickets allocated for Leigh’s supporters at the 25,000-capacity Brick Community Stadium. Wigan had offered Leigh a choice of either 4,600 unreserved seats or 5,400 reserved seats in the North Stand, which significantly exceeds the 10 percent minimum requirement for away fans. Despite this, Wigan states that Leigh expressed dissatisfaction with the allocation.

In their official statement, Wigan confirmed the details of the ticket offer, emphasizing that it was sanctioned by an independent safety advisory group and their ground safety officer, after consultations with local police. They also noted that the Super League had sought additional safety advice, which supported their decision regarding the ticket numbers.

Wigan’s communication further highlighted the importance of safety and compliance with regulations. “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 statement read. “The safety and welfare of all supporters must come first. This is not open to negotiation and underpins every decision we make.”

As the situation develops, Wigan remains focused on preparing for the semi-final. The club has pledged to provide further updates.

Leigh Leopards have made history this season, achieving their highest-ever Super League finish and advancing to the semi-finals following a decisive elimination play-off victory over Wakefield Trinity. The semi-finals are set to take place on October 3 and October 4, with both matches available for viewing on Sky Sports.

Wigan’s determination to uphold safety regulations underscores the complexities surrounding ticket allocations and crowd management in professional sports. The outcome of this situation will be closely monitored by fans and officials alike as the semi-final approaches.