CHARLTON'S elected fans director Ben Hayes is urging Preston to reconsider their decision not to extend a promotion which allows home fans cheaper admission to Addicks supporters next Saturday.
Charlton make the long trip to Deepdale for a televised game which kicks off at 5.20pm.
Preston announced this week they would be designating the match as one of their four "local promotion" games, whereby they are able to reduce admission prices to encourage a greater attendance.
However, Football League rules state the promotion can only be applied to home supporters and now Mr Hayes is calling for a change of heart.
He said: "Although Preston are acting within the rules, it seems a bit short sighted not to extend the reduction to Charlton fans.
"The special promotion is supposed to make a better atmosphere at the match, but surely away supporters are vital to creating one?"
Preston announced the reduction this week and home fans who had already purchased a ticket will be entitled to a refund of the difference between the original cost and the new £10 admission for North End supporters.
However, this will not apply to Addicks followers and those travelling north on the day will be expected to pay up to £25 to gain entry.
Any Charlton fans attempting to gain admission to the Preston ends will be ejected.
In a letter to Preston's secretary, Janet Parr, Mr Hayes wrote: "Can I suggest an easier solution, rather than threatening ejections on live TV, is for Preston to reconsider?
"An equitable reduction for Charlton fans to the same level as home fans would not only avoid the administrative and stewarding confusion described but would be a massive public relations victory for Preston and would just give more publicity to the offer."
The letter added: "At present the situation does no credit to Preston.
"Charlton fans are a well behaved and law abiding bunch on the whole so I would not expect any trouble from them but they also have a proud history of protest as the battle to return the Valley shows.
"Chants relating to the pricing, close up shots on Sky of stewards ejecting fans or trying to pull down the PNE = rip off club banners already being discussed on fans' message boards will only be negative publicity for your club.
"I sincerely hope you and the board at Preston will take the time to re-consider and correct what is clearly within the letter, but not the spirit of the rule you have invoked."
A Preston spokesman this morning confirmed to News Shopper the club had no plans to extend the reduction to Charlton fans.
He said: "The point of the Football League promotion is to have four games a season to encourage fans living nearby to come to a game.
"Any Charlton fans who try to get in to any area for home supporters will be ejected from Deepdale."
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