On the day of the EFL Cup match, Everton’s social media channels including the fan services account, external on X were inundated with supporters complaining about apparent ticketing issues.
The move to the new stadium from Goodison Park has seen physical tickets replaced by a digital app, but some fans said they had not received their match tickets into their wallet by Wednesday afternoon.
In a statement, the club said the match was delayed “to ensure all supporters have safe access into Hill Dickinson Stadium in time for kick-off”.
Club sources told BBC Sport both home and away supporters were affected in trying to get access into the stadium, though the problems were not related to the digital tickets on the app.
The small number that did have issues were able to have them resolved at the box office before making their way to the turnstiles, where extensive queues seemed to have formed.