Elston moves to assure Tigers’ fans over segregation worries

Richard Wright, Elston’s counterpart at their arch-rivals, claimed Trinity were forcing visiting spectators away from their usual vantage point on the northern terrace.

The Wildcats allocated the eastern terrace and the north-east corner of the Rapid Solicitors Stadium for Castleford fans, with the remainder of the newly-covered popular north stand for home fans. Wright said his club were not made aware of the change and asked Elston to re-consider ahead of a game which could house an 11,000 capacity crowd.

“I’ve had lots of emails and phone calls overnight from irate fans and I share their disappointment,” said Wright.

“I have not been consulted on this and the club has had no formal notification. More importantly, we’ve sold ground standing tickets to our supporters on the basis that fans can stand where they always have over many years.

“Ultimately, Wakefield control the security of their own ground and we don’t have any control.

“However, I have written to James Elston asking on behalf of everyone concerned with Castleford Tigers that this decision is re-considered by the Wakefield club.”

Elston says the roof installation over the northern terracing had made it more attractive for home fans but insisted there would still be room for away spectators, separated only by yellow markings for safety reasons.

“There is no issue whatsoever,” he said. “Richard has got the wrong end of the stick. We’re actually giving them space for around 2,000 of their supporters in the new north stand.

“We’re by no means segregating fans. We know there will be families from both ends of the spectrum and they can all stand together. We want as many away fans to come as possible. We’ve tried to make it easier for them to enter the ground by offering advice and put in three new refreshment concessions for them.”

Fixtures

Super League: Bradford v Leeds (8.00), Huddersfield v Salford (3.00), Hull v Hull KR (12.15), St Helens v Wigan (2.45), Wakefield v Castleford (7.30).

Championship: Batley v Dewsbury (7.30), Halifax v Keighley (7.30), Leigh v Swinton (12.00).

Championship 1: Barrow v Gateshead (3.00), Doncaster v London Sk (3.00), Rochdale v Oldham (1.00), Whitehaven v Workington (3.00 ).