Industry News

Ticket error saw Sanchez turned away at Wembley

Wimbledon FA Cup hero Lawrie Sanchez was left red faced on his return to Wembley for the club’s tie against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday as a ticketing error led to him being denied entry.

The former Northern Ireland manager, along with his many of his friends and family, had secured seats through AFC Wimbledon, but staff at the national football ground – Spurs’ home this season – said a printing error meant the tickets were void.

Sanchez was among 50 other supporters whose tickets were turned down at the turnstiles at Wembley. Sanchez said he listened to his car radio as Tottenham ended up winning the third-round tie 3-0.

The former Wimbledon player famously scored the 1988 FA Cup final winner to beat favourites Liverpool.

Sanchez said, according to The Sun newspaper: “It’s a bit embarrassing all round. Thirty years ago I arrived on the team bus, last time I was in the directors’ box and now I can’t even get in the ground.

“It’s not been my best day as a supporter. I’ve never been refused entry to a ground before in my life.

“I wasn’t the only one affected, there were about 50 of us. After half an hour of waiting I decided to go home.

“Some of our fans recognised me and one or two offered me their tickets. There was even a Spurs fan who offered me a spare but that was in the home end and I was with friends.

“It was a waste of a day really.”

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