DidEyeDoit: It has been happening quite a bit over at least the last 3 to 4 clash events
It's been around since Clash #4, which was on Dec. 13/14, 2014.
DidEyeDoit: WGT are aware of the problem (yes it happened to me also) & are suppose to be trying to fix it.
Supposed, yes. For 19 months and 24 events now.
DidEyeDoit: Not much else can be done about it "sigh"
Yes it can. It's one of the oh-so-common users' workarounds:
To avoid it, do not use the "play again" function in a Clash. Rather go back to the CC screen and initiate a new game.
To fix it, quit the game when you observe it. Any free pass will be there to use them again, and you shouldn't buy passes anyway (dunno what happens to those).