Man United ban fan from away matches after missing one game due to illness

Manchester United's Juan Mata, 2nd left, celebrates with team mates after scoring during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Leicester City. Photo / AP

Manchester United have banned a season ticket holder of more than 30 years from applying to watch away games after he fell ill and did not attend their clash at Hull City.

Graeme Clarke felt unwell on the morning of their last-gasp victory at the KCOM Stadium and was unable to make the trip for a late kick-off at Hull.

A letter sent to Clarke by the United ticket office, dated September 23, stated his opportunity to apply for fixtures away from Old Trafford had been revoked for 12 months after he failed to notify the club of his absence.

United communicated rules and regulations regarding away tickets with fans at the start of the season - and no ban would have taken hold had the booking been cancelled on the day.

But the nature of the case - that Clarke was not fit enough to travel - has caused fury among other supporters, who claim the episode has been 'disgraceful' and 'disgusting'.

In the letter, United's head of ticketing and membership operations Sam Kelleher wrote: "Although we understand circumstances may occur where you are unable to attend a game you have purchased a ticket for, you are able to cancel your ticket and receive a refund via our contact centre."

Clarke's family argue another fan went to the game with his ticket but was refused entry, something in line with the club's ticketing policy.

The appeal to the ban was lodged on September 14 but the club upheld their original decision.

The letter continued: "The club has worked extensively with the FA, Police and a number of local authorities to increase the allocation of match tickets we receive, and with thousands of unsuccessful applicants for each game, and we want to ensure each allocated ticket is used."