Wrexham infuriate Accrington Stanley as chairman slams ‘stupid’ statement in ticket price row
Wrexham and Accrington Stanley have entered into a public spat after the latter club raised its ticket prices for their clash.
The League Two sides met on Saturday at Stanley's Wham Stadium, with Wrexham looking to close the five-point gap on league leaders Stockport County.
But before the game, Wrexham released a statement, responding to Accrington increasing their ticket prices for both sets of fans just for this weekend's clash.
The statement posted on Wrexham's official X account read: "In response to Accrington Stanley's decision to increase the match day price by £5 from that previously charged at Wham Stadium for league games this season, we have decided to reduce the price of matchday tickets by £5 for the return game at the SToK Cae Ras on 02/03/2024."
Accrington, who were relegated from League One last season, were quick to respond.
And despite Wrexham's offer to lower prices for their fans, Accrington's chairman took issue with Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds' club's announcement.
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Also taking to X, club chairman Andy Holt said: "When costs are already high. Wrexham the last thing football needs is stupid mistimed statements. It’s surprising how stupid given a former CEO of EFL [Shaun Harvey] is employed by you.
"Let’s have a great day for all fans safely, whatever the outcome on the pitch. Welcome to Accrington Stanley."
When asked by a fan on X whether Accrington had raised the prices for other clubs that have sizeable followings such as Bolton last season in League One, Holt responded: "Yes we did.
"It’ll be £20 next year if we meet again. The allocation will be lower but the max we can give without all the extra costs. Easy sorted."
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"If there was only a couple of hundred of you today I’d be happy to do the same," Holt responded to a Wrexham fan criticising the price increase. "Unfortunately costs are very high for this game.
"Big policing bills and stewarding big stewarding costs. I appreciate what Wrexham are doing for our fans though."
Wrexham have rose to fame since their Hollywood takeover during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Reynolds and McElhenney got the club promoted back to the EFL for the first time since 2008 last season and their documentary 'Welcome to Wrexham' following their journey has seen the club attract a huge new wave of fans.
Wrexham's allocations, both home and away, typically sell out, with bumper crowds turning up to watch the team that have captured the hearts of football fans around the world.
It was Accrington that came out on top on the pitch on Saturday though, with John Coleman's side scoring twice in the second half.
Tommy Leigh's penalty and Rosaire Longelo capitalising on goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo's spilling his inital save ensured the home side wrapped a 2-0 win. Wrexham's Paul Mullin also missed a last gasp penalty.
Wrexham are now eight points off the top and drop to fourth after Stockport, Mansfield and Notts County's respective wins on Saturday.