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No segregation policy - Premiership

2012-04-19 12:38:05

Premiership Rugby have allayed supporters’ fears that they are introducing segregation at the annual London double header at Twickenham

Fans encouraged to sit anywhere at the annual London double header

The traditional season-opener which involves two matches between London’s four Premiership clubs - Saracens, Harlequins,London Irish and Wasps - is expected to attract a crowd of close to 75,000 spectators.

Premiership Rugby confirmed the event, which will be held on September 1, via a press release which stated that the clubs’ fans would be able to sit together.

“For the first time this season each club will be given a specific area of the ground for its supporters,” the statement said.

Premiership Rugby say the intention was to allow each club’s season ticket holders to sit together.

But many supporters interpreted it as the introduction of crowd segregation, something which rugby enthusiasts are not used to and it prompted an angry reaction.

Premiership Rugby then had to issue a follow-up statement which clarified that supporters are encouraged to sit anywhere in the ground.

“There is absolutely no segregation at the London double header on September 1,” a Premiership spokesman said.

“Through Ticketmaster we have identified where club season ticket and friends and family allocations will be located, allowing fans to make their seat choices accordingly.

“We value the London double header, which brings together four teams and would encourage neutral fans to get behind a team for the day which makes for a great atmosphere within the stadium.”

Wasps are involved in a relegation battle and if they fail in their bid to stay in the league they will be replaced in the double header by another club.