Allegations about ticketing irregularities at York Wasps Rugby League club were made at an employment tribunal yesterday.

The tribunal is investigating claims of constructive dismissal made by former Wasps head coach Dean Robinson, and by his assistant coach, John Paterson.

Giving evidence, Mr Paterson described how it was "traditionally" the job of the coaching staff to distribute tickets among the players.

He said: "It is part of my job to make sure the players had adequate tickets for family and guests for away games.

"On a number of occasions, not enough tickets were available.

"The first away game of that season was against Keighley Cougars. I spoke to the club's (Keighley) chief executive and asked him for extra tickets.

"He told me he had sent 25 tickets to York Wasps for players and coaches. I was not aware of this. On another occasion, we played Rochdale away. I phoned them and was told 23 tickets had been sent. However, we had only received 17. I spoke to Ann Garvey (Wasps' chief executive and director), and she confirmed we had 17, but could not say where the other six were."

Mr Paterson then went on to mention York Wasps' big Challenge Cup game against Super League Club Warrington last February.

He said: "Warrington's chief executive is a friend of mine, and I rang him before the game to ask for a larger-than-usual amount of tickets. He agreed.

"In the week prior to the game, Dean Robinson attended a board meeting and was given 23 tickets. I immediately rang Warrington's chief executive who said he had sent 30 player tickets for the coaching staff, one for the time-keeper and a quantity for the board.

"I rang Ann Garvey. She said Warrington had only sent 23 tickets, and she has asked for more but had been refused. It was at this point I knew Ann Garvey was lying, but I said nothing."

The tribunal continues. Mrs Garvey was expected to give her evidence today.