Phil SumblerThe subject of cashless payments at the Swansea.com Stadium raised its head again yesterday when a video circulated on social media from a supporter who had clearly been riled by an inability at first to pay for items in the club shop via cash.
It should be made clear at the beginning that nobody can condone abuse to any staff member at the club and none of us – other than those present – know what happened before the start of the video that has been seen widely on social media.
Whatever that ‘pre-video’ incident looked like, it certainly prompted the club to release a statement that said “The incident involved a member of the public verbally abusing a staff member and leaving the premises without paying via the correct procedure.
“The club strongly condemns such behaviour, and we are taking steps to ensure the individual in question is both identified and appropriate action taken.”
Swansea City announced earlier this year that they would become fully cashless from Monday March 13 in all areas which included the Park and Walk facility used on matchdays at Landore.
Yesterday’s statement added “We would like to remind supporters that the club is fully cashless across all its sites and trading outlets, with clear signage on display both in and around the Swansea.com Stadium.
“This has been clearly communicated on several occasions, and we would like to thank the vast majority of supporters who have been supportive of this move.”
The move to a totally cashless facility was always going to be a contentious one and whilst most supporters will be comfortable with the move there will always be an element (and a not insignificant one) who will prefer to operate with cash and that should be supported. Inclusivity can come in many elements beyond the ones that are naturally thought of when that word is banded about.
The club have effectively excluded part of their support from purchasing items from them at the moment. Whether that is merchandise in the club shop, a cup of tea at the stadium on a matchday or even, it seems, the ability to park a car in an facility that allows them to get to the stadium. Surely that feels shortsighted at best.
Whilst the advent of contactless payments and many people now having apple or google pay on their phones there will always be people who are not comfortable in making payments that way. The nature of personal finances should not be dismissed and budgeting with cash is often much easier for many then randomly tapping cards or phones where it is exceptionally easy for people to lose sight of what they have spent at any stage. Almost every major retailer will accept cash and, indeed, you often see local business who express a desire for people to use cash ahead of the convenience that many see in cards.
It is certainly not right that staff get abused for a club decision – everyone should remember that it is not the front line staff who make the decisions – but it is easy to see why this would cause frustration when someone wants to pay via cash.
This is something that the club should be considering to overturn although the statement yesterday suggested that it was nowhere near the front of their minds to do so. But surely a simple change to “our preferred method is cashless” just ensures that everyone who wants to transact with the club can do so.
According to the Access to Cash report, published before the pandemic in 2019, up to one in five British citizens could be left behind by a transition to digital-only transactions. Whilst the pandemic may have amended that number it still remains the case that is a significant percentage and the club have effectively turned their back on those people no matter what the number currently is.
In an article published in February this year on trusted site unbiased.com they noted “Cash matters to people on lower incomes and also the older age group, so it’s important to ensure that they’re not locked out by a no-compromise cashless economy.
“Choice is key. Everyone has the right to spend and bank on their own terms. If that means facial recognition, apps and biometric authentication then the technology is ready. But cash-preferred customers who seek physical interaction matter too.
“It seems that the UK Government is listening. They recently held a consultation on Access to Cash, to ensure that they take steps that protect the UK’s cash infrastructure, for the long term.”
It seems though that Swansea City has a different view and one that probably needs to change.
Surely The Bank of England have not Changed the Coin of the realm to plastic.
Cash is the recognised payments system and should be accepted everywhere.
It is clearly for security reasons, it obviously prevents theft from robbery and staff. Surely, the Club shop doesn’t face these issues to the extent they have to implement a ‘CASHLESS ZONE’ – this is as anti-social as you can get. Their choice to run with this crazy idea, should be matched with our fans decision to NOT buy their goods – simple!
Funny thing is the robbery seems to come from those at the top running the club and not the dirty low life peasants us working class semm to be treated as these days by all those with money.
I know the person in the video and he does like a good tiktok or video to enhance himself on social media.
I didn’t see the before video so therefore cannot comment on any abuse that allegedly took place . But I can guarantee it involved the person in the video being threatened with the police for wanting to pay legally.
Again I cannot condone any allergies abuse to the staff.
But in all fairness he has the courage to do what alot of us would love to do.
I think it’s a disgrace that the swans feel that they are above the law in accepting legal tender. Not everybody can pay by card.
I work in a cash business and my working hrs prevent me going to the bank since they closed the hole in the wall. I therefore have to take time off to pay in to the bank.
We really do need to stand up for our rights ladies and gentlemen as slowly but surely the powers that be are taking them all away from us
Cashless business is the very first step in applying the social credit system, it must be avoided, don’t comply , stop buying till they do a U Turn.
Cashless business is the very first step in applying the social credit system, it must be avoided, don’t comply , stop buying till they do a U TurnIf your friend was put on a social blacklist, would you still talk to them?
What if talking to them affected the type of loans you could get? Or your freedom to travel? Or maybe the schools that your children can get into?
It’s an awful thing to consider, but it’s one of the many dangers of Social Credit Systems. And even though most people have not heard about the Social Credit Systems, they are real, and they are coming. And in some places, like China, they already exist in full force.
I’m sure you’ve heard about things like your carbon score, credit score, or even things like the coming Central Bank Digital currency.
These are all specific systems designed to give you ratings based off of your actions. But a full-on Social credit system would affect all parts of your life.
With a Social Credit System in place, Governments will use all of your devices against you. They will track your purchases, your locations, who you are near, and what you search for.
Even worse, they will spy on you with the cameras and microphones in those devices as well.
In China, if you speak out against the Government you’ll lose social credit points. But if you read propaganda from the Government you’ll gain points (And yes, the retina scanners in your phone will make sure you are actually reading the propaganda and not just looking at your phone).
All aspects of your life will be judged. What you spend YOUR money( digital currency) on, what information YOU consume, and the friends you associate with.
And if your score drops low enough, you’ll be placed on a blacklist. That means anyone who contacts you will be punished. You’ll fall into social isolation and be bullied into the lowest caste.
There is no good future for a social credit system, only one where the government has complete control over your life.
This is why you NEED to learn how to protect your privacy.
Because with today’s level of technology, the government can completely surveil us. They know everything we search for, our location at all times, and they can record us through cameras and microphones on our devices.