AN angry father has hit out at cash-strapped Ipswich Town Football Club for refusing to sell him tickets for today's crucial clash against West Ham.Gary Wild attempted to buy tickets for himself and his football mad sons, Bradley, 12, and Billy, 14, but was turned away by an operator because of an incorrect post code.

AN angry father has hit out at cash-strapped Ipswich Town Football Club for refusing to sell him tickets for today's crucial clash against West Ham.

Gary Wild attempted to buy tickets for himself and his football mad sons, Bradley, 12, and Billy, 14, but was turned away by an operator because of an incorrect post code.

Mr Wild lives in Romford but has just bought a holiday home in Felixstowe.

The problem occurred because Romford is considered a West Ham supporters' area – even though Mr Wild is not a fan of the club.

Mr Wild said: "To be honest I don't support anyone but I thought the game would be an attractive one and the boys were looking forward to it.

"I've got a home here and I'm going to be spending a lot of time there so I might have gone to more games in the future.

"It's laughable really and really silly.

"It's completely unreal, the club has no right to bang on about their lack of money and then turn my £60 away.

"I'm really annoyed, I mean Manchester United have got supporters all over the country and I don't suppose they would turn someone away if they were from somewhere like Torquay."

The family could have spent several hundred pounds at the club over this season and were potential supporters of Ipswich Town but they have now vowed never to return to the club.

Mr Wild added: "I won't be trying again.

"I won't be treated badly by anyone, there is a limit to what I will take."

West Ham United have supporters across Suffolk and Essex, there is a supporters' club as close as Colchester, and there is likely to be several away supporters outside of the designated section in the ground today.

Terry Baxter, spokesman for Ipswich Town Football club, said: "Because it's our second derby following on from Norwich the West Ham away ticket location has sold out.

"Therefore supporters have been trying to get tickets in the home section of the ground and we have been asking callers to the ticket office which team they support.

"To be fair to them most have been honest and said if they support West Ham.

"It is a safety issue and we have checks and basic questioning.

"We do sift fans via postcode but cannot specify how far out that would go in case fans try to get around the system.

"Generally this system has worked very well for us in the past.

"Obviously it is disappointing for the gentleman in this case and we regret that.

"If he is going to be in the Felixstowe area for periods in the future then he can contact John Ford, the manager of the ticket office, and he will allow him tickets to future games."

N What do you think? Write in to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk or visit the forum at www.eveningstar.co.uk