As a devoted Arsenal fan residing in the North, this season I have been fortunate to embark on numerous journeys to support my team. Over the course of attending ten fixtures so far, I've logged nearly 2000 miles in total. And it seems fitting that as I return from the Brighton match on the season's final day, I'll likely cross the 2k mark.

Whenever the Gunners venture up North, I'm always swift to secure tickets and be there in person. This was no exception when I purchased tickets for the Everton fixture over three weeks ago. Alongside my partner, a friend, and my younger sister, we secured four tickets through the Everton website. Despite being unfamiliar with Walton Hall Park, I sought advice from a friend who had visited before, reassuring me to buy from the Everton website, where there's no designated home or away section, and everyone stands together. So, without hesitation, I made the purchase.

However, the morning of Tuesday, April 23, just five days prior to the game, I received an unexpected email from Everton's Fan Centre. Assuming it was a routine message detailing match day logistics, I casually opened it. But as discussions in the Arsenal supporters group chat gained momentum, I was taken aback by the contents of the email. Everton's communication outlined their belief that the tickets purchased by myself and others had been intended for away fans. Consequently, they cancelled our tickets and promised refunds. This wasn't an isolated incident; fellow supporters shared similar experiences, compounding the frustration.

As a strong advocate for women's football, I've witnessed first-hand the passion and energy we bring to every away game. Our presence is integral to fostering a vibrant atmosphere and bolstering attendance, a crucial component in the growth of the women's game. Given the limited allocation of just 250 away tickets at Everton and the absence of a designated away section, purchasing tickets through their website seemed like the logical choice.

However, beyond the initial annoyance, what truly disappointed me was the handling of the situation. The subsequent uproar from affected fans, who had invested time and money in travel, accommodation, and parking arrangements, was evident. Even loyal Everton fans who have supported the club and wished to attend were prevented, based on their lack of a ‘local postcode’. 

Attempts to address the issue were met with generic responses from the club, lacking any form of empathy or explanation. This dismissive approach not only left me feeling disheartened but also painted a negative picture to me of Everton Football Club as a whole.

By preventing fans from attending, even their own fans who wished to attend this fixture to support their beloved team, Everton missed an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity and fan engagement. The lack of transparency and accountability only served to tarnish their reputation.