One disgruntled Saints fan is fuming over service at stadium

May 8 2009 by Our Correspondent, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

DEAR Sports Editor, – Well done Saints ... promotion at last.

Unfortunately the organisation at McDiarmid Park was again lacking.

The fans were urged to turn out to cheer on the team, which they did. However the management failed to learn from previous experience.

We have a parking space at the stadium and it took 10 minutes to get to it from the gate, then we had to get a policeman to clear the crowd so we could reach it.

The turnstile area for the East Stand was so congested the game was 10 minutes old when we made it to our seats.

Half an hour had passed before the steps were cleared of fans standing to watch.

The stewards were walking amongst these people and making no attempt to get them seated. You would think that, for once, the Ormond Stand could have been opened. McDiarmid Park will not gain a very favourable reputation in the SPL if they cannot solve this problem.

Sandra Rivers,

Gilsay Place,

Perth PH1 3AG.

ST Johnstone managing director Stewart Duff gave the following response after being contacted by PA Sport.

“The club recognised that there would be a big crowd for the Morton game and with that in mind we accommodated visiting fans in the North Stand.

“This gave St Johnstone supporters a minimum of 6770 seats, with contingency plans to open the Ormond Stand if necessary.

“An even bigger crowd turned out than expected.

The figure from Perth was 6024, which was excellent.

“It became clear the majority of spectators wanted to view the game from the East Stand, which resulted in queues building-up. The decision was taken to close the stand before it reached capacity with the knowledge that there were still around 250 seats available.

“But with fans coming along in groups with friends or family, they wished to sit together.

The club’s safety officer and the Tayside Police match commander decided to decant spectators to the West Stand where there was ample seating.

“We can only apologise for any inconvenience caused during the early part of the game.”