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Fans are up in arms after claims that Flybe staff who lost their jobs this week were turned away at the Exeter Chiefs gates on Saturday.

The tickets were given to Flybe as part of a sponsorship deal with Exeter Chiefs and were handed out to staff in prize draws in recent months. In the wake of the airline's sudden closure this week the sponsorship deal ended.

However staff did not know that tickets won earlier in the year would no longer be valid.

One former Flybe employee said: "Way to kick a person when they're down."

Tanya Lloyd who worked as Flybe's health and safety manager was one of those who was turned away.

(Image: Tanya Lloyd)

She said: "It was so humiliating. I was almost in tears."

Ms Lloyd messaged Exeter Chiefs but has had no reply. She added: "A very embarrassed lady on the ticket sales said it was a ‘higher management decision’.

"We’ve had a long-standing relationship with Chiefs and it was so disappointing after the week we’ve had."

Outraged fans have taken to social media and contacted Devon Live because they feel the tickets should have been honoured.

Exeter Chiefs Media and Communications Officer Mark Stevens said: "The club will not be commenting on this matter."

One of the affected Flybe staff, Jon Sharpe, was also a coach for Exeter Chiefs youth for nearly six years until a couple of years ago. He told Devon Live: "I love the Chiefs and this goes totally against what I believe they stand for."

He added: "It's just very sad that this could happen. Somebody had presumably made a decision to cancel the tickets. I would have expected more."

Noel Beavis told Devon Live: "I was an employee and the stance taken by the team showed little respect for the relationship held. Quite a contrast to Exeter City Football Club who invited any Flybe employees to attend their next game free of charge. That’s partnership!"

Ewen Menzies, another member of staff who has this week lost his job at Flybe, said: "Flybe employees who won Chiefs tickets in a company draw were today turned away at the gates as their tickets had been withdrawn following the collapse.

"Way to kick a person when they're down. You should be ashamed of yourselves."

Another Flybe employee said: "Well done Exeter Chiefs for your 57-20 win today! Not so well done on turning back ex-Flybe employees who lost their jobs two days ago but had previously won tickets to your game.

"They lost their jobs and you immediately snubbed them. What were you thinking!!??"

Flybe was a 'key partner' with the club for several years and the airline's purple logo has been prominent on the team's shirts during all three Premiership finals, including their title-winning season in 2017.

But the Exeter-based airline abruptly ceased operations this week with the company blaming the impact of coronavirus as the final straw.

On the club's official Facebook page fans congratulated the Chiefs on their amazing 57 - 20 win against Bath, but many were up in arms about the 'cruel' treatment of the Exeter Flybe staff who were turned away at the gates.

The club website still says: "The Exeter-based airline has been a Chiefs shirt sponsor for nine consecutive years and as a result, the Flybe logo has been prominent on the team's shirts during all three Premiership finals, including their title-winning season in 2017."