Rico

So, however we look at it, there's likely to be a lot more people trying to buy an away ticket next season with no intention of travelling. I've never been to an away game (other than Istanbul). To be honest, I'm quite wary of the whole thing (largely because of the "getting into trouble with opposition fans" aspect, but also the cost), but as I've mentioned before, the thought of trying to get an away ticket with no intention of actually going has crossed my mind. It goes against the grain and my own principles, but... Getting tickets to home games is getting harder and harder, so something that potentially gives me a leg up each time is attractive.

But... but... that's illegal, isn't it?

That's going to happen whether it's extra credit or not. Just having one away credit would mean I'd have 7, so there'd be no need for "aways count double" or anything like that. After this experience, it's a gimme that people are going to try and do exactly that. I suppose the only solution to the problem of people buying tickets and not travelling would be some sort of "snitch service" whereby those that do attend the game report any empty seats beside them, and the club relate them back to the fancards and nullify the credit. Or something. Of course, we did the whole "snitching's never right" thing last week, so I dare say that won't find favour. =)

Tried my/my mates again - still no luck.

Standing on the Kop watching the match on a big screen with thousands of other Kopites would ease my pain a little.

There isn't any, and I'm not saying that's what has happened. I'm just plucking numbers out of the air; the point is that being told the numbers is the first step (the transparency). Getting angry about how the allocation was dished out comes next if it's warranted.

Take note, and come up with a better plan for next year. Maybe carry over a credit for those that missed out this year, if possible. That way we'd be one rung up when it comes to buying CL tickets next season, and given that, anyone that goes to 6 matches will have 7 credits, and may be in a better position to go to next year's final. 'cause we're going to get there.

The other aspect I'd forgotten is that the whole ballot idea is flawed insofar as everyone with 6 credits was automatically entered, whether or not they'd have applied for a ticket if they had to turn up in person, sit on the phone for 3 hours, press F5 all morning etc., and regardless of all those who would never have applied as they simply can't afford to travel all the way to Greece for a footy match. There are bound to be people that have "won" a ticket that can't take it up. Will they accept it and try to pass it on the black market? Will it go back into the pot? if it does, what happens to it then? Can I have it? =)

No, I agree they could have done some things differently. Aside from the crap allocation, the real issue for me is that of how many of us were in the 6-credit ballot, how many have 7 or more, and how many tickets from our allocation were available through the ballot. If we had 17000, less 4000 for 7+ credits and only 5000 of that 13000 went into the ballot, I'll be f***ing livid. I suppose it's as much a demand for transparency as it is a protest.

I don't really see how LFC could have handled it much differently. They could have given ST holders priority over people like myself, but that's about it, isn't it? The root problem is the pitiful ticket allowance we've got from UEFA. Less than a quarter of the seating capacity of the stadium, judging by the Wikpedia page on the stadium that says it has a capacity of more than 72000 if configured that way. Of course, I'm assuming that our fair allocation of available tickets were made available through the ballot. If indeed a large number did get given out to corporate hospitality types, then that's definitely something to protest about. You can sing my song from the ballot thread.

They could carry one of our credits (anyone that didnt win an Athens ticket) over to next season's CL campaign, meaning we'd be guaranteed of a) getting tickets for the group/knockout matches next season, and b) be more likely to be able to get tickets for next year's final.

Here's a song for the weekend. Where have all the tickets gone? Long time passing Where have all the tickets gone? Long time ago Where have all the tickets gone? To touts and suits, every one* When will the-Liverpool-FC-ticket-office ever learn? When will UEFA learn? Gotta work hard to get that second-to-last line to scan with the tune. *OK, not strictly true, but it's the sentiment that counts.

Well, I'm stepping out of that competition. Much as I want to go, there's no way I'm lining some c***'s pockets with silly money for it. Doing my part to break the cycle!

More jam than Hartley's.

As if enough suits aren't already going courtesy of UEFA...

Don't be daft. Enjoy it, you lucky fecker! So, about that pub...?

Out of myself and my 3 mates linked to my fancard, only one of us won a ticket - and it wasn't me.

Not sharpening his moustache, then, as I first read it. I think the mussie thread has addled my brain.

I prefer to see it as a "two birds, one stone" situation.

I was far less nervous about my A-Level results!

I expect the site to start falling over at 10:50am then.

Noooooo! Can I cancel it out with another one?

Tense times... Good luck everyone (although slightly less luck than me, please).

"If this is for real I'll take all three"

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/tickets/ticket_i...3a_20070523.htm They start at 12-10, then go to 9-7. "Fans with SIX 06/07 Champions League games (excluding the qualifiers) on Fancard will be entered into a computerised ballot. Successful supporters will be written to advising them on how to claim their ticket." It doesn't mention how we enter the ballot though. Maybe everyone with 6 will be in it, whether they can go or not, which seems a bit strange.