What is it with our club operationally. Absolute shot show outside before kick off.
Arrived at 7:45 ans got into ground at 8:20.
Completely killed the evening for many supporters who were left flat and frustrated hearing Fulham go 1 down whilst standing outside.
The stewards left dealing with irate fans but it is not their fault. This happens time and time again.
Silva calls on the home support but our largest stand is almost empty (still no explanation from the club) and many others stuck at the turnstiles unable to gain entry.
All in, I couldn't complain about the result, we came up short. We just lack quality in key areas and have no depth on the squad.
Came away flat as the all pre game hype was ruined by entrance management.
Sadly however FFC will never acknowledge or apologise.
Wish I hadn't paid another £45 for Newcastle match. Was already a fight to even ensure season ticket seat for that match.
By the way don't get me started on how many Liverpool fans in Haynes stand !!!
Quote from: howitis on January 25, 2024, 12:40:05 AMWhat is it with our club operationally. Absolute shot show outside before kick off.
Arrived at 7:45 ans got into ground at 8:20.
Completely killed the evening for many supporters who were left flat and frustrated hearing Fulham go 1 down whilst standing outside.
The stewards left dealing with irate fans but it is not their fault. This happens time and time again.
Silva calls on the home support but our largest stand is almost empty (still no explanation from the club) and many others stuck at the turnstiles unable to gain entry.
All in, I couldn't complain about the result, we came up short. We just lack quality in key areas and have no depth on the squad.
Came away flat as the all pre game hype was ruined by entrance management.
Sadly however FFC will never acknowledge or apologise.
Wish I hadn't paid another £45 for Newcastle match. Was already a fight to even ensure season ticket seat for that match.
By the way don't get me started on how many Liverpool fans in Haynes stand !!!
I heard somebody on the radio saying similar, that it was a nightmare getting in (and they got in very late too)... what was the issue ?
Personally I got down there about 7.20 (I wanted to have a look around the Riverside area before kick off), and got in without any issues (the Hammy end).
I got in around 7 with no issues. The turnstiles were really skinny though, there's no way an obese person would fit through them.
Tottenham in the cup early season the same issues.Arrive earlier!
Not with a few layers of clothing to keep out the cold
Sorry but if you don't know the problems by now you should. An 8.00 kick off means that there is plenty of time to get a drink at the pub and get there early. If you were late you should have got there earlier. I know that's hard but there is no other answer
Quote from: demeant0r on January 25, 2024, 01:28:46 AMThe turnstiles were really skinny though...
Would you believe it if I told you they're like that every game?
I turned up at the ground at 8:30 and appeared to miss the kick off.
It's because we only have admission from Stevenage road and people weren't generally so overweight when the ground was built.
It's really not rocket science!
Any fan should know the turnstiles are mainly limited to the Stevenage road and the later you leave it the bigger the problem.
People who arrive with 15 mins to kickoff, go for a pee and wander in to their seats just as the players come out (or later) are a pain in the arse.
They are usually the same people who get up before the half time whistle and get back after the 2nd half has started.
Just get there in plenty of time and enough the atmosphere!
Quote from: Steeeeeeeeeed on January 25, 2024, 01:22:39 AMQuote from: howitis on January 25, 2024, 12:40:05 AMWhat is it with our club operationally. Absolute shot show outside before kick off.
Arrived at 7:45 ans got into ground at 8:20.
Completely killed the evening for many supporters who were left flat and frustrated hearing Fulham go 1 down whilst standing outside.
The stewards left dealing with irate fans but it is not their fault. This happens time and time again.
Silva calls on the home support but our largest stand is almost empty (still no explanation from the club) and many others stuck at the turnstiles unable to gain entry.
All in, I couldn't complain about the result, we came up short. We just lack quality in key areas and have no depth on the squad.
Came away flat as the all pre game hype was ruined by entrance management.
Sadly however FFC will never acknowledge or apologise.
Wish I hadn't paid another £45 for Newcastle match. Was already a fight to even ensure season ticket seat for that match.
By the way don't get me started on how many Liverpool fans in Haynes stand !!!
I heard somebody on the radio saying similar, that it was a nightmare getting in (and they got in very late too)... what was the issue ?
Personally I got down there about 7.20 (I wanted to have a look around the Riverside area before kick off), and got in without any issues (the Hammy end).
Part of issue is it's a Cup game where paper tickets are issued. The queues go a lot slower - guy before me took three minutes to get his to work!
Arrived at 19:20 no issues, get there early have a pint its always the best way
Got there at 7.45 for a massive game and you seem surprised you're not in your seat by 8pm. Really?
Quote from: Mickeyboro on January 25, 2024, 08:40:49 AMQuote from: Steeeeeeeeeed on January 25, 2024, 01:22:39 AMQuote from: howitis on January 25, 2024, 12:40:05 AMWhat is it with our club operationally. Absolute shot show outside before kick off.
Arrived at 7:45 ans got into ground at 8:20.
Completely killed the evening for many supporters who were left flat and frustrated hearing Fulham go 1 down whilst standing outside.
The stewards left dealing with irate fans but it is not their fault. This happens time and time again.
Silva calls on the home support but our largest stand is almost empty (still no explanation from the club) and many others stuck at the turnstiles unable to gain entry.
All in, I couldn't complain about the result, we came up short. We just lack quality in key areas and have no depth on the squad.
Came away flat as the all pre game hype was ruined by entrance management.
Sadly however FFC will never acknowledge or apologise.
Wish I hadn't paid another £45 for Newcastle match. Was already a fight to even ensure season ticket seat for that match.
By the way don't get me started on how many Liverpool fans in Haynes stand !!!
I heard somebody on the radio saying similar, that it was a nightmare getting in (and they got in very late too)... what was the issue ?
Personally I got down there about 7.20 (I wanted to have a look around the Riverside area before kick off), and got in without any issues (the Hammy end).
Part of issue is it's a Cup game where paper tickets are issued. The queues go a lot slower - guy before me took three minutes to get his to work!
Yes that is the issue and has been for a while. It shouldn't be a case that you have to get there earlier and earlier to make up for the inadequacies of the entrance management solutions.
As for some of the above comments, I don't want to spend my time or money on the crap beer and food supplied with shoddy service that Fulham continue to serve up.
Quote from: bill taylors apprentice on January 25, 2024, 08:40:20 AMIt's really not rocket science!
Any fan should know the turnstiles are mainly limited to the Stevenage road and the later you leave it the bigger the problem.
People who arrive with 15 mins to kickoff, go for a pee and wander in to their seats just as the players come out (or later) are a pain in the arse.
They are usually the same people who get up before the half time whistle and get back after the half time has started.
Just get there in plenty of time and enough the atmosphere!
infuriates me ,late arrivals and up before end of 1st half.
If you arrived at 7.45, it's your own fault. The club even put messages out to arrive by 7.30.
It was a complete sell out and the stadium has only ever had turnstiles on 1 side of the stadium as long as I've been going so it's not rocket science to get there with plenty of time.
In all my years I have always made a habit of getting to the ground early. Worst experience was a boxing day at Stamford Bridge (when Best was at Fulham). Not enough turnstiles open, huge crowd, got in at almost half time.
Another time at Palace, similar, got in late. Problem was tubes apparently.
I never understand people who leave it to the last minute.
If very large numbers leave it late it's obviously going to be an issue to get so many on using just one side of the ground for entrance. It's not rocket science. The pubs were packed our hours before kick off and people should leave longer to get in.
No signs of any plod in the riverside which surprised me. A few tourists with half and half scarves but that is ok.
Great atmosphere and the crowd played their part. Flags looked brilliant before ko but it that's a lot of plastic!🤔
I dont understand why ST holders who purchase their seat cant just have their cards activated instead of paper systems that slow the queue down.
Not sure I quite get the Skinny Turnstyle point, they are like that, if you need a wider entrance they will open the gates to the left
Quote from: howitis on January 25, 2024, 09:15:34 AMQuote from: Mickeyboro on January 25, 2024, 08:40:49 AMPart of issue is it's a Cup game where paper tickets are issued. The queues go a lot slower - guy before me took three minutes to get his to work!
Yes that is the issue and has been for a while. It shouldn't be a case that you have to get there earlier and earlier to make up for the inadequacies of the entrance management solutions.
I don't know how many turnstiles there are for the Hammersmith End, but I'll guess at a 24. Even working on the assumption that every spectator is ready with their paper ticket and gets through the turnstile in 10 seconds, that's 6 spectators entering the ground per turnstile per minute.
Altogether, therefore, through the couple of dozen turnstiles in the 15 minutes you allowed yourself to get into the ground, 2160 spectators, at best, are going to gain entry. The Hammersmith End, I believe, holds 6,000 plus.
Can you really blame the Club for missing the kick-off?
Quote from: demeant0r on January 25, 2024, 01:28:46 AMI got in around 7 with no issues. The turnstiles were really skinny though, there's no way an obese person would fit through them.
The turnstiles have been that size for a hundred years or so without complaints, seems we are eating too much these days.
:slap: :slap: :slap:
1st world problems? have you ever been to Mexico City, Estadio Azteca for a Club America game v Chivas? I lined up 1 hour before the game could not get into the stadium until 20 minutes after the game started.
Quote from: KentFulham on January 25, 2024, 10:12:09 AMI dont understand why ST holders who purchase their seat cant just have their cards activated instead of paper systems that slow the queue down.
Not sure I quite get the Skinny Turnstyle point, they are like that, if you need a wider entrance they will open the gates to the left
Good point. We are behind the curve on access tech.
Quote from: Arthur on January 25, 2024, 10:14:11 AMQuote from: howitis on January 25, 2024, 09:15:34 AMQuote from: Mickeyboro on January 25, 2024, 08:40:49 AMPart of issue is it's a Cup game where paper tickets are issued. The queues go a lot slower - guy before me took three minutes to get his to work!
Yes that is the issue and has been for a while. It shouldn't be a case that you have to get there earlier and earlier to make up for the inadequacies of the entrance management solutions.
I don't know how many turnstiles there are for the Hammersmith End, but I'll guess at a 24. Even working on the assumption that every spectator is ready with their paper ticket and gets through the turnstile in 10 seconds, that's 6 spectators entering the ground per turnstile per minute.
Altogether, therefore, through the couple of dozen turnstiles in the 15 minutes you allowed yourself to get into the ground, 2160 spectators, at best, are going to gain entry. The Hammersmith End, I believe, holds 6,000 plus.
Can you really blame the Club for missing the kick-off?
Look it is not about pressure on the gates, it is about the speed with which people were entering the ground. Many with paper tickets being asked to turn around after multiple attempts to get their code read. The queues were literally static. Those of us that dont get there early are happy to queue but these queues were not moving.
On top of the chaos before the match it took me two an a half hours to get home to Hillingdon which normally takes 35 minutes chaos in Woodlawn ave and then the M4 closed .
Quote from: bobbo on January 25, 2024, 11:13:23 AMOn top of the chaos before the match it took me two an a half hours to get home to Hillingdon which normally takes 35 minutes chaos in Woodlawn ave and then the M4 closed .
Yep - last night my journey home broke all records arrived in Abinger Hammer at 12:45 am !
Quote from: HV71 on January 25, 2024, 11:32:42 AMQuote from: bobbo on January 25, 2024, 11:13:23 AMOn top of the chaos before the match it took me two an a half hours to get home to Hillingdon which normally takes 35 minutes chaos in Woodlawn ave and then the M4 closed .
Yep - last night my journey home broke all records arrived in Abinger Hammer at 12:45 am !
[/quote HV I'd love to say I'm sorry for you mate but how can I , you're living in Abinger hammer ————— I'd do really though.
Quote from: demeant0r on January 25, 2024, 01:28:46 AMThe turnstiles were really skinny though, there's no way an obese person would fit through them.
If you can't fit in a chair, don't come to a game ::tongue::
Quote from: filham on January 25, 2024, 10:25:25 AMQuote from: demeant0r on January 25, 2024, 01:28:46 AMI got in around 7 with no issues. The turnstiles were really skinny though, there's no way an obese person would fit through them.
The turnstiles have been that size for a hundred years or so without complaints, seems we are eating too much these days.
More of a disregard for understanding nutrition and lack of time to cook proper ingedients.
A western problem.
I guess you could blame ignorant parents/grandparents (or even schools), but we all have the internet now to learn how many grams of carbohydrates are in a potato or that low fat milk is just watered down milk.
I have to say the paper tickets did take longer than the cards to access the stadium. It took about 30 seconds instead of 5 seconds
Quote from: filham on January 25, 2024, 10:25:25 AMQuote from: demeant0r on January 25, 2024, 01:28:46 AMI got in around 7 with no issues. The turnstiles were really skinny though, there's no way an obese person would fit through them.
The turnstiles have been that size for a hundred years or so without complaints, seems we are eating too much these days.
Quote from: Cambridge Away on January 25, 2024, 01:24:34 PMQuote from: demeant0r on January 25, 2024, 01:28:46 AMThe turnstiles were really skinny though, there's no way an obese person would fit through them.
If you can't fit in a chair, don't come to a game ::tongue::
Not many were sat last night to be fair
This post seems to have moved into what time people should arrive as opposed to safety outside the ground.
There is an assumption that everybody outside had just come from the pub & whilst getting to the stadium for 7pm would be ideal, for fans coming straight from work or with longer journeys, it's not always possible.
Last night there were hundreds of fans packed in like sardines (older fans and children). I saw a guy in front of me fall over as there's no light and pavements you can't see (we were that packed in). It wasn't the wait so much as the safety issues, it's wonder there weren't more injuries....I have to say with the number of fans joggling to move forward, I felt unsafe as a lifelong fan. At one point it looked as though they'd closed all the turnstiles at the JH end. No stewards communicating or organising the crowd which for a premier league & supposedly family club is scandalous. I'm sure there will be an investigation & yes, I saw a number of fans turned back because their paper tickets weren't recognised.
Quote from: _Putney_ on January 25, 2024, 07:53:56 AMI turned up at the ground at 8:30 and appeared to miss the kick off.
We didn't start playing until after 9 p.m.
Quote from: Balham Boy on January 25, 2024, 05:46:49 PMThis post seems to have moved into what time people should arrive as opposed to safety outside the ground.
I don't think the focus has shifted. The O.P. laments the time it took to get into the ground. Nothing in it suggests his main gripe was safety. Here's how it starts:
Quote from: howitis on January 25, 2024, 12:40:05 AMWhat is it with our club operationally. Absolute shot show outside before kick off.
Arrived at 7:45 ans got into ground at 8:20.
Nevertheless, yours is an interesting post, BB. Last night was probably the first all-ticket sell-out night game since our Europa League campaign 14 years ago. Should the Club have anticipated the problems you describe? And if they had, what would be the solution?
I can only think of a gargantuan organisational task such that those entering the Johnny Haynes Stand would have to approach the ground along Finlay Street or Greswell Street only, allowing stewards to drip-feed spectators from there to the turnstile queues. The only access for Hammersmith End and Riverside Stand patrons would be a drip-feed from the Hammersmith end of Stevenage Road or from Harbord Street. Such a scheme, however, would necessitate that everyone approaching through Bishop's Park wanting to go beyond the Putney End would have to walk away from the ground to then walk parallel to it before heading down the correct road for their part of the ground.
Who knows? With the ground capacity set to increase by a further 5,000, something such as this may happen. It would, I imagine, be a source of total confusion the first time it was tried, but we'd get used to it soon enough, I suppose.
Quote from: howitis on January 25, 2024, 09:15:34 AMQuote from: Mickeyboro on January 25, 2024, 08:40:49 AMQuote from: Steeeeeeeeeed on January 25, 2024, 01:22:39 AMQuote from: howitis on January 25, 2024, 12:40:05 AMWhat is it with our club operationally. Absolute shot show outside before kick off.
Arrived at 7:45 ans got into ground at 8:20.
Completely killed the evening for many supporters who were left flat and frustrated hearing Fulham go 1 down whilst standing outside.
The stewards left dealing with irate fans but it is not their fault. This happens time and time again.
Silva calls on the home support but our largest stand is almost empty (still no explanation from the club) and many others stuck at the turnstiles unable to gain entry.
All in, I couldn't complain about the result, we came up short. We just lack quality in key areas and have no depth on the squad.
Came away flat as the all pre game hype was ruined by entrance management.
Sadly however FFC will never acknowledge or apologise.
Wish I hadn't paid another £45 for Newcastle match. Was already a fight to even ensure season ticket seat for that match.
By the way don't get me started on how many Liverpool fans in Haynes stand !!!
I heard somebody on the radio saying similar, that it was a nightmare getting in (and they got in very late too)... what was the issue ?
Personally I got down there about 7.20 (I wanted to have a look around the Riverside area before kick off), and got in without any issues (the Hammy end).
Part of issue is it's a Cup game where paper tickets are issued. The queues go a lot slower - guy before me took three minutes to get his to work!
Yes that is the issue and has been for a while. It shouldn't be a case that you have to get there earlier and earlier to make up for the inadequacies of the entrance management solutions.
As for some of the above comments, I don't want to spend my time or money on the crap beer and food supplied with shoddy service that Fulham continue to serve up.
So the inadequate turnstile staff should be able to handle all the latecomers in 10 minutes as they adequately cope with the previous thousands who have arrived at the more sensible time?
Do you tip up at the supermarket 5 mins before closing or wait until the last minute to board a train.
Its common sense really,maybe in this entitled culture we seem to live in everyone expects everything their own way despite their own self imposed limitations!!
Quote from: howitis on January 25, 2024, 11:11:02 AMQuote from: Arthur on January 25, 2024, 10:14:11 AMQuote from: howitis on January 25, 2024, 09:15:34 AMQuote from: Mickeyboro on January 25, 2024, 08:40:49 AMPart of issue is it's a Cup game where paper tickets are issued. The queues go a lot slower - guy before me took three minutes to get his to work!
Yes that is the issue and has been for a while. It shouldn't be a case that you have to get there earlier and earlier to make up for the inadequacies of the entrance management solutions.
I don't know how many turnstiles there are for the Hammersmith End, but I'll guess at a 24. Even working on the assumption that every spectator is ready with their paper ticket and gets through the turnstile in 10 seconds, that's 6 spectators entering the ground per turnstile per minute.
Altogether, therefore, through the couple of dozen turnstiles in the 15 minutes you allowed yourself to get into the ground, 2160 spectators, at best, are going to gain entry. The Hammersmith End, I believe, holds 6,000 plus.
Can you really blame the Club for missing the kick-off?
Look it is not about pressure on the gates, it is about the speed with which people were entering the ground. Many with paper tickets being asked to turn around after multiple attempts to get their code read. The queues were literally static. Those of us that dont get there early are happy to queue but these queues were not moving.
Get there earlier. Moaning you missed KO when you showed up 15 mins before one of the biggest games we've had in quite some time is going to fall on deaf years.
Quote from: Angus Telford on January 25, 2024, 08:07:03 PMQuote from: Balham Boy on January 25, 2024, 05:46:49 PMI saw a number of fans turned back because their paper tickets weren't recognised.
Given the opposition, any chance lots were turning up with fake tickets? The scousers have form for that
Another one! Didn't think Fulham fans were this bad.
It's a strong argument to say "you should have got their earlier", but the reality is not everyone can due to personal circumstances such as work, or variables such as travel delays. Saturdays is always a race for us to meet kickoff because my kids play U13 & U16 football.
We arrived around 7:30 on Wednesday, at the first turnstile my younger son's ticket just would not scan. He spent a good 60 seconds holding it higher, lower, closer, further. We were advised to try another turnstile. We did so, the queue was maybe 15 people at that time and the ticket worked first time. If it had been 100 people and closer to kickoff I don't think this would have been an acceptable suggestion.
Its always the home turnstiles that have the queues, I've never seen masses at the away turnstiles despite a high incidence of later arrivals.
Quote from: Wolf on January 26, 2024, 09:20:30 AMIt's a strong argument to say "you should have got their earlier", but the reality is not everyone can due to personal circumstances such as work, or variables such as travel delays. Saturdays is always a race for us to meet kickoff because my kids play U13 & U16 football.
There will always be spectators who arrive near to kick-off time due to difficult or, even, unavoidable circumstances, of course there will. I think it's those who
choose to arrive close to kick-off time towards whom the remark is directed.
I have started to get to the ground early as to avoid the queues.Drink is a bit cheaper too.we got to the ground about 7.15 against Liverpool and got in no problem another friend of mine arrived 7.45 and didn't get in until 8.30.His paper ticket wouldn't go through and had to go to the ticket office for a new one.
Quote from: Wolf on January 26, 2024, 09:20:30 AMIt's a strong argument to say "you should have got their earlier", but the reality is not everyone can due to personal circumstances such as work, or variables such as travel delays. Saturdays is always a race for us to meet kickoff because my kids play U13 & U16 football.
We arrived around 7:30 on Wednesday, at the first turnstile my younger son's ticket just would not scan. He spent a good 60 seconds holding it higher, lower, closer, further. We were advised to try another turnstile. We did so, the queue was maybe 15 people at that time and the ticket worked first time. If it had been 100 people and closer to kickoff I don't think this would have been an acceptable suggestion.
Its always the home turnstiles that have the queues, I've never seen masses at the away turnstiles despite a high incidence of later arrivals.
At last a sensible response to what was a fair point. There are significant problems with the entrance management and the fulham ticket office have been in touch to apologise and amazingly didn't tell me that I was a victim of outing up when I did !!!
From the feedback by Fans on different media there's seems to be a combination of things that cause significant problems.
1. The turnstile card reader seems to have a problem with reading some of the mobile or printed Q codes.
whether this is due to the system being slow (ie looking for duplication) or just poor print outs or in the case of mobile codes that it needs a stable focus to submit the code. All of these cause multiple swipes or rejection & delays. I've been at others grounds where this also happens.
2. There does seem to be a correlation of the amount of people all turning up too near to kick off time and the turnstile scanning problems get multiplied. I got to the JHS about 7.20 and there were only 4 people in front of me, one had his scan rejected and was turned away but went as directed by the steward with his friend may be to try elsewhere. I had a standard ticket that went through fine.
3. Others have said that STH who bought their normal Season Ticket seat but had a Q-code print or mobile seemed to go through OK, but if they had friends their tickets sometimes got rejected.
4. The crowding in Stevenage Rd has been worsened by the access to The Riverside stand making people walk the whole length to gain access to the Riverwalk turnstile (where again there are large Ques to get in).
When Qs form outside people are still trying to pass through to get to their designated area in JHS, Hammersmith or Putney Ends.
5. On the JHS there still seems to be a turnstile attendant in the booth operating it, do 'they' activate the turnstile & are they having to wait for an indicator from the system to let people through? All these things could cause delay with large crowds outside.
6. We know that the Stevenage Rd Building is Historically preserved and the turnstiles have always been narrow, but I have noticed for years that a piece of wood after the turnstile makes entry even tighter (obviously done to stop the 2for1 entry) but it can make entry slower.
Don't think these problems are going to be solved quickly, as it seems to be a combination of things needs to be ironed out for big games. It happened during Internationals for Brazil & Columbia, and it did happen many years ago when big games caused large crowds. Back in the days when we had 5,000 it was no problem to turn up 5 minutes before KO and still get in, 'but the times they are a changing'.