Manchester City supporters are set to make their voices heard during the upcoming home match against Leicester City.
With frustration brewing over the club’s ticketing policies, fans are organizing a protest aimed at highlighting their dissatisfaction with the situation.
Ticketing Partnership with Viagogo Draws Criticism
The main issue revolves around Manchester City’s decision to partner with Viagogo, a third-party ticketing agency, which has sparked a wave of backlash from home fans.
Many argue that this partnership, along with the use of multiple external ticketing platforms, has significantly disrupted the fan experience at the Etihad Stadium, especially when it comes to ticket prices and accessibility.
Fan Groups Call for Action During Leicester City Game
Three major fan groups—1894, Trade Union Blues, and MCFC Fans’ Foodbank—have come together to call for a demonstration during the match.
Their plan is for fans to remain outside their seats for the first nine minutes of the game, symbolizing the nine different external ticketing partners the club currently works with.
This protest is intended to draw attention to the rising prices and concerns over tickets being resold to non-Manchester City supporters.
Concerns Over Inflated Ticket Prices and Safety Issues
One of the primary concerns raised by the fans is that tickets sold through Viagogo and similar platforms are often resold at inflated prices, making it harder for genuine Manchester City fans to get access to the matches.
This issue was highlighted during previous games, such as a Champions League knockout match where a Real Madrid supporter was seen in the stands receiving a haircut, and a Liverpool fan was attacked during their 2-0 victory at home.
Fans argue that these practices are harming the atmosphere at home games and creating safety issues.
City’s Response and Plans for the Future
In response to the criticism, Manchester City has called an emergency meeting with the fan advisory board, City Matters, the day after the Leicester match.
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the concerns raised by supporters and to announce the ticket prices for the upcoming season.
Despite the controversy, City maintains that tickets sold on Viagogo will be exclusive to hospitality packages, not general admission, and will be subject to a price cap.
The Debate Over Third-Party Ticketing Services
The Football Supporters’ Association has also voiced its concerns about the involvement of third-party companies like Viagogo, which they argue only serve to inflate prices for profit.
Many other clubs, they point out, operate their own in-house ticket resale platforms, allowing fans to pass tickets to friends or family at face value.
The FSA questions why Manchester City needs to partner with a third-party company that profits from matchgoers’ tickets when other clubs manage without them.
Looking Ahead: What Will Be the Outcome of the Protest?
As the protest draws closer, it’s clear that Manchester City fans are determined to make their frustrations known.
The demonstration is a way for them to express their discontent with the club’s ticketing strategy, especially as the pressure mounts ahead of next season’s pricing announcements.
The outcome of this protest and the subsequent discussions with the fan advisory board could influence the club’s approach to ticketing in the future.