We wrote yesterday that Darren Eales' statement around ticketing heavily suggested that an increase to the price of a Newcastle United season ticket would be coming despite a passionate plea by the Newcastle United Supporters' Trust.
The NUST wrote to the club in January imploring the club to freeze season ticket prices for another year amid the end of the 10-year price freeze for a large number of fans.
Those fans who took advantage of the 10-year price freeze, which was extended by multiple years, are now going to be hit with 14 years of price increases plus the added 5% that the club is now looking to add on to next season's prices.
The UK is still in the midst of a cost of living crisis and adding 5% to what is the only form of escapism for so many is not a good look for the board.
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Make them pay!
The NUFC Fan Advisory Board have issued a strong statement
We understand that the club is fighting a losing battle against PSR and has aspirations of success, but when they are leaving money on the table in the form of sponsorships for St James' Park, the training ground and training kit, it's a bit rich pushing that PSR burden onto the fans, and as such, the Fan Advisory Board have spoken out on Bluesky condemning the move by the club.
"We unanimously reject the decision by the club to raise adult season ticket prices by 5% for the third consecutive season.
"Against the backdrop of the long-term deal ending and the announcement made by the club earlier this week regarding improved financial performance for the year to 30 June 2024, we reject the choice made by the club to increase the cost of all adult season tickets by a further 5%.
"Against the backdrop of the long-term deal ending and the announcement made by the club earlier this week regarding improved financial performance for the year to 30 June 2024, we reject the choice made by the club to increase the cost of all adult season tickets by a further 5%."
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The warnings were there in Darren Eales' statement
There were red flags all over Darren Eales' statement on ticketing, which we covered yesterday, and today our fears were confirmed.
There's still time for them to reverse this decision, obviously, but it's whether the fan backlash and whatever action can be taken by the FAB and the NUST can make a difference.
We won't hold our breath.