Football fans file complaints after legends match snub

Marcus Lum

Police have received two reports following complaints from football fans who purchased a HK$6,880 ticket package.

This package included a ticket to the exhibition match between Real Madrid and Barcelona legends on Friday night last week, along with a fan meeting that was canceled at the last minute.

Sources said 26 people from the Real Madrid Official Hong Kong Fans Club, which facilitated communication between fans and the organizer, had bought the HK$6,880 ticket package, involving around HK$200,000.

Complainants said they were promised to meet all the players, but they were only able to meet some of the players for 15 minutes.

As of 6pm last night, the Consumer Council reported receiving 12 complaints related to this issue, totaling HK$90,017. The highest individual claim reached HK$13,761.

The complaints stemmed from the aftermath of the exhibition match, which drew around 7,000 fans to the Hong Kong Stadium.

Some veteran players reportedly left the signing and meeting session early due to dissatisfaction with the arrangements.

In response to the backlash, the organizer, Legend Assemble, issued a statement the next day, promising to address the concerns and maintain communication with fan clubs and affected individuals.

However, the contact person for the organizer faced accusations of evading responsibility.

The Real Madrid fan club, which facilitated communication between fans and the organizer, expressed their dismay.

They reported that the contact person, identified as Ms Chan, accused the club of leaking information from a group chat before abruptly leaving the chat without explanation.

"We are doubtful whether the organizer intends to communicate effectively with fans to resolve this issue," it said.

In light of these developments, the fan club decided to formally file a report at the Tin Shui Wai police station on Saturday night, hoping the organizer would not attempt to delay or evade compensation responsibilities.

The police confirmed they received two reports on the incident, and the complainants requested that the police document the matter.

marcus.lum@singtaonewscorp.com