Everton Ticket Tout Slapped with Three-Year Football Ban
Lester Woodard, 43, from Baldock, Hertfordshire, has been banned from all UK football grounds for three years after flogging 468 tickets for Everton’s first 13 games of the 2023/24 season. The ban was handed down at Sefton Magistrates Court on 4 July following a Merseyside Police probe.
Fined and Facing Jail if He Breaks Ban
If Woodard breaks the ban, he faces six months in prison or hefty fines for each offence. He was also slapped with a £400 fine, £85 in costs, and a £160 victim surcharge.
Chief Inspector Iain Wyke said: “We take action such as this to protect genuine fans looking to purchase tickets to support their team at face value through authorised sellers.”
He added, “People like Woodard exploit the passion fans have for their club to line their own pockets. The majority of ticket touts target visitors who may be unaware that ticket prices are inflated or that reselling tickets is illegal.”
Everton and Police Team Up Against Touts
Everton FC has a robust system to protect fans from touts, with pre-match communications, fan meetings, and signage at Goodison Park warning against buying from unofficial sources. The club runs an official resale platform so Season Ticket Members can safely sell or transfer tickets.
Dave Lewis, Everton’s Head of Security, warned, “We will not tolerate touting. It harms genuine supporters and could fund further criminal activity. With this being our last season at Goodison Park, demand for tickets is sky-high. Fans must only buy from official sources.”
Help Fight Ticket Touting
You can report any ticket touting suspicions at games or by contacting Merseyside Police via @MerPolCC, 101, or anonymously on 0800 555 111 via Crimestoppers.
