CPST Meeting with CPFC (5th Dec)

The Trust had a meeting with the Club on 5^th December 2017, the notes of which are as follows:-

·         The Trust expressed its concern at the variety of unfortunate events at the Brighton fixture and the actions of the Police involved. The Club were investigating the matter and had a de-brief meeting arranged with the Police and Brighton officials where matters would be reviewed. While the Club found the actions of certain fans unacceptable it was appreciated a large number of innocent supporters had been poorly treated. To date over 200 refunds had been given to those with un-scanned tickets. Although the system would automatically remove ‘loyalty points’ for these tickets, these would be re-instated. The Trust confirmed it would be working with the FSF to pursue various issues and to see what action was possible. The Trust indicated the FSF had received over 50 complaints from Palace fans regarding the match organisation, or lack of it. (This has now risen to 60+).

·         In respect of the ‘beamback’ the Club sold around 1000 tickets in the last 3 days, bringing the total attendance to around 1900. No road closures had been made which made queuing for the gates more difficult than normal. At the end two exits were available although, as highlighted by the Trust, this was not announced and consequently the Park Road exit became unacceptably congested. The Trust highlighted the fact that the bars had in some cases run out of beers. The Club indicated that while there were some temporary shortages, they had re-stocked bars continually through the night.

·         Full details of the proposed redevelopment of Selhurst including a model should be available for all to see soon. The new main stand would have 8000 new seats and a total capacity of 13000.

·         The Trust again urged the Club to take the largest ticket allocations as possible for away matches. The Club are concerned about the payments they have to make if substantial numbers remain unsold. This was narrowly avoided at WBA, 700 tickets still need to be sold for Leicester to avoid a financial penalty. The full allocation has been taken for Swansea and 1500 tickets need to be sold for no loss to be incurred.  Decisions need to be made now for the Southampton game where the Club have concerns due to the change to an evening kick-off.

·         Following it being raised at the AGM, the Trust identified that supporters still had concerns regarding the quality of the Selhurst sound system. The Club indicated a further formal check will be made by consultants at the Watford game, with attempts to balance the level music and announcements. The Club indicated supporters could help by identifying issues of sound quality or level and confirming their position/seat no. to the text alert system – 07507 477669. This would be most beneficial if it was done during the game. The Trust indicated that this no. needed a greater prominence than page 73 of the programme.

·         ‘Crystals’ and some nearby buildings are in the control of the Club, but it was indicated this area would not re-open soon, with their use currently tied up with the overall proposed redevelopment.

·         Although a new venue is being pursued by the Club for U23 games to take place, as identified by Dougie Freedman at the Trust AGM, it was indicated a couple of options were still being considered and  a new site could not yet be confirmed. In the interim it is hoped a good proportion of games could be played at Selhurst.

·         Some issues with the coaches travelling to West Brom. were identified by the Trust, including them parking in different locations after the game, poor information on arrangements and wildly different arrival times back at Selhurst (8.30pm and 11.30pm!). The Club will take up these points with Clarkes, while the ticket office will review any requests made for ticket holders to move coaches.