Newcastle United have released a statement after cancelling 45 tickets for their Champions League clash with Barcelona that were originally allocated to schoolchildren. The Magpies will face the reigning La Liga holders on 18th September in what will be their first game back in Europe's elite competition in over a year.
It was reported that more than 110,000 people attempted to secure tickets for the match at the 52,300-capacity St James’ Park. However, after many fans were left unsuccessful, it emerged that some tickets had been allocated to students at a private school located nearly 200 miles from Tyneside. The revelation sparked outrage, forcing the club to release a statement in response to the backlash.
Newcastle Confirm Schoolchildren Tickets Cancelled
St James' Park
According to a statement from the club, as reported by The Athletic, Newcastle confirmed that following anger from supporters, they have rescinded the tickets ahead of Thursday's clash.
"Newcastle United has cancelled a number of tickets for the UEFA Champions League match with FC Barcelona due to a breach of season ticket terms and conditions," a club spokesperson said.
"The relevant season tickets have also been cancelled with immediate effect and without refund. These tickets will be made available to Newcastle United supporters through the club’s existing ticket sale process. Supporters who suspect unauthorised reselling are urged to send relevant information to supporter.services@nufc.co.uk."
A spokesperson for the High School of Dundee - the school in question - also confirmed the news, stating: "This afternoon we were informed by the approved provider that the tickets have been cancelled."
The news has been well received by members of the Newcastle United Supporters Trust, who shared their delight on social media at the U-turn, having previously said the situation left a 'bad taste' in their mouths given the perceived betrayal of fans who pay to enter ballots for tickets.
It is believed that the High School of Dundee were selling the tickets to students for £295 apiece, which included travel, accommodation and meals alongside the matchday ticket. A similarly large group of pupils from the school also attended Newcastle’s 2-1 defeat to AC Milan in December 2023, their last Champions League outing, with the school maintaining that on both occasions the tickets were bought as part of a 'group package" via an "approved provider.'