A Costa Rican couple were forced to purchase a ticket for their nine-month-old baby, who was in a sling attached to the parent and would not take up a seat for the West Ham v Arsenal game.
The tourist couple were denied entry to the London Stadium and redirected to the Ticket Office, where they were told they must buy a ticket for their infant, despite it not occupying a seat. The couple were bewildered but told they would not be allowed to watch the game unless they paid £41 for a ticket for their baby. This is the cheapest ticket available for a category AA match, equivalent to a band 6 Under 18 ticket.
The incident was witnessed by West Ham Season ticket holder Richard Dodds @doddsy35, whose own ticket on a smartphone was non-functional on Sunday.
West Ham's own website says: "All children, including babes in arms, will need a ticket to the match to ensure that every person within the Stadium is accounted for under health and safety regulations."
In October last year, West Ham Supporter Services made the following statement on social media: "West Ham United supporters must be aware that children under the age of 2 years will not be permitted entry into the ground due to Health and Safety reasons. Ticket holders aged 2 to 15 years must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 years or above and be seated adjacent in the stadium bowl. Adults must stay with junior ticket holders (2 to 15 years) at all times whilst in the stadium."
The last statement is made more baffling as West Ham proudly boasts on their club website "There are baby change facilities available on each level of the Stadium, these are located at blocks: 152, 145, 134 and 126. There are also facilities available in Club London. All are clearly signposted on the concourse area; however, please ask a steward for assistance if required."
These statements seem to contradict each other - it is no surprise that supporters are confused.
@Real1_balogun Former West Ham & Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian’s full name was pretty spectacular:
Adrián San Miguel del Castillo
Which translates to..
Adrian Saint Michael of the Castle
🔥🔥🔥
@CMDRVALTHOR People like him are in play to convince you that tearing down the old system is necessary and to make people accept the new digital hellscape on the horizon, while dressing it up as ‘the good guys plan’.. utter plant!