WOLVES fans were left furious on Friday night - and not because of their side's capitulation to bitter rivals St Helens.

Dozens returned to their cars to discover £50 parking tickets slapped on their windscreens.

And some are vowing not to pay after claiming they have been stung' without warning having parked trouble-free in Pinners Brow Retail Park for years.

"It was an absolute nightmare," said Roy Houghton, from North Wales.

"We have parked there for more than 12 months without problems, then suddenly we've all been ticketed.

"At 7.45pm there was no sign of a warden. It seems they waited until the ground was jammed full then swooped.

"It's not right. I'm considering not paying."

Joanne Littlewood, aged 38, said she was one of more than 100 motorists given a ticket without warning'.

"If they don't want us parking there then fair enough, but the signs should have been up at the last game."

The parking firm in question is Lancashire-based CMS UK Ltd.

It threatened to increase the fine to £80 then £130 if people don't pay up.

Some fans, however, are consulting solicitors to see if they are legally enforceable.

CMS was unavailable for comment when the Guardian tried to contact it on the number printed on eight large yellow signs, which have been up since last Tuesday.

However Jason Tilsley, the managing director for CSL a tenant on the estate, said CMS had been brought in by landlord Prudential to protect trade.

"It totally stopped trade the last two Sunday home games," he said.

"Customers were complaining they couldn't park outside.

"It has always been a private car park. Anyone parking under signs is clearly taking a chance."

He added that anyone with a fine would have it refunded if they shopped at the store.

A Wolves spokesman said it was not the responsibility of the club and urged fans to use council car parks.