Anger at Plymouth Argyle ground's cashless policy

David Evans says he is worried that "cash is dying out" and believes "people should have a choice"

A football fan from Devon feels "discriminated against" by his club after he was unable to buy food and drink with cash.

David Evans, 81, supports Plymouth Argyle was at the season's opening game at Home Park on 2 August when he tried to buy a cup of tea and a pasty but was told he could not pay with cash. The tea was poured away in front of him.

Mr Evans said he did not want to take his bank card to games in case it was lost or stolen, adding many his age felt similarly and "people should have a choice".

Plymouth Argyle Football Club did not comment directly on the situation, but said the ground had been cashless for two years and Mr Evans should contact them directly to address concerns.

Plymouth Argyle refused to comment on the situation

Mr Evans, from Plymouth, said he did not see any "card only" signs in the ground while trying to make his purchases at half-time.

He said: "I think it's ludicrous, people should be given the choice."

He said he thought Argyle should have a separate kiosk at the ground where cash would be accepted.

He said: "I can't understand for the life of me find why they need to be so strict on not accepting cash. It's legal tender."

Martin Quinn, from Campaign for Cash, said it was "disgraceful that an 81-year-old man supporting his local club could not buy a cup of tea or anything to eat".

He added: "It's pure out-and-out discrimination against a loyal supporter."

Mr Quinn has asked for Plymouth Argyle to "reconsider this deplorable decision to start accepting cash again".

Plymouth Argyle said on its website that the club had been cashless in food kiosks since 2023 but cash was accepted in all other parts of the ground.

It said there are a number of benefits of the cashless policy, including increased speed of service, shorter queuing times, improved hygiene, less cash handling and a cost and time-saving impact.