Leicester City may kick off at Manchester City next week with only the away following in their seats, amid a planned protest by the home crowd.
Manchester City fans have been urged to boycott the start of next week’s Premier League fixture at the Etihad Stadium in a protest about the reselling of tickets.
It was announced on Thursday that Man City had entered a new “multi-year agreement” with the resale platform viagogo over hospitality tickets.
It comes on top of arrangements with eight different third-party operators for other types of tickets.
These deals have caused concern among some supporters that tickets could end up in the hands of away fans or be sold at exorbitant prices.
Because of that, three fans’ groups have called for people to remain on the concourse for the opening nine minutes of the champions’ encounter with Ruud van Nistelrooy's Leicester – a minute for each resale partner.
A joint statement from the 1894 group, Trade Union Blues and MCFC Fans Foodbank read: “This comes in a season where we’ve seen record numbers of away fans in home and away ends, many of whom have used third-party agencies to obtain tickets at inflated prices.
“This has caused safety issues and distrust among supporters who are unwilling to use the club’s ticket exchange in fears (sic) of where their ticket will end up – yet another ticket partner may only add to this.”
The platforms allow ticket-holders who can no longer attend a fixture to sell on their tickets.
City declined to comment on the calls for a partial boycott next week but, in an attempt to allay fears, have reiterated from their initial statement that viagogo will only be selling existing – not new or additional – tickets.
The statement read: “This multi-year agreement will see hospitality tickets from the club’s existing hospitality allocation for men’s home fixtures and tickets for women’s fixtures made available directly on viagogo’s platform.”
It added: “Each ticket listing will be marked with an ‘official partner’ designation, giving fans confidence in their purchase.”
The PA news agency also understands all tickets resold through viagogo will be subject to a fixed price cap.
Viagogo has been contacted for comment by the PA news agency.
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