Supporter Concerns Over Ticketing Crackdown
Several Manchester United supporter groups, including the official Fans’ Forum, Manchester United Supporters Trust (Must), and The 1958, have formally complained to the club regarding the suspension of season tickets. These groups contend that fans are being “treated as suspects” amidst the club’s efforts to curb the illegal resale of seats. The club’s actions have led to what some supporters describe as a perception of “ban first and ask questions later.”
The club initiated contact with fans who had accessed accounts linked to the club using six or more devices or had forwarded tickets, viewing this activity as potentially indicative of purchasing tickets for resale. Club rules permit members to forward tickets only to other members or to sell them back to Manchester United directly.
Those whose accounts were flagged received emails requesting explanations for the multiple account accesses, identification of the devices used, and photo identification to verify their validity. The club’s communication stated that a detailed review of activity across ticketing and digital platforms identified “sustained activity” that might suggest a breach of ticketing terms and conditions.
Fan Reaction and Club Response
The crackdown has generated significant anger among some supporters. One long-standing season ticket holder, who has held a ticket for over 35 years, expressed frustration after his account was restricted. He highlighted the emotional bond of attending matches, particularly with family members, and felt that loyal fans were being unfairly punished.
Reasons provided by fans for using multiple devices include managing tickets for groups of friends or assisting elderly family members who may find technology challenging. While the club has placed restrictions on accounts, it is understood that no formal bans or sanctions have been applied. Any season tickets that have been revoked are expected to be reissued before Manchester United’s first home game of the season against Ipswich Town on 30 August.
Supporters have been given the opportunity to appeal the restrictions, though the club initially provided only three days for this process. This shorter appeal window, compared to the usual 14 days, is reportedly due to the club’s concern that a longer period could be used to illegally resell tickets. An appeals panel is set to make final decisions on each case before the Premier League season commences on 22 August.
Ongoing Ticketing Operation
The club’s operation to tackle touting has been described as “successful” in a statement sent to some fans who appealed their restrictions. However, the club also acknowledged that “some innocent supporters may have been affected” and apologised for any inconvenience caused during the process. Despite this, a further batch of supporters received similar emails, leading to accusations of touting against many loyal fans.
Last season, Manchester United cancelled 22,000 tickets for the first five home games as part of a previous crackdown on touting. The club believes this figure was only a fraction of the problem, estimating that between 10-15% of season tickets are controlled by touts. The Fans’ Forum has called for a pause on further suspensions and cancellations of season tickets to allow for meaningful discussions.
The Manchester United Supporters’ Trust and United Fans’ Forum are actively working to assist affected supporters through official channels with the club, as fans await the outcome of their appeals before the new season begins.
Read Also
Source: theguardian.com
As NewsGB's Senior Football Correspondent, Jack Ferndale reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He covered north-east football for a regional daily. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Sunderland and completed an NCTJ diploma. Jack lives in Sunderland, where he watches lower-league football home and away. “The story is in the squad, not just the starting eleven.”
