Jack Grealish scores in front of empty seats at the Leicester game
Jack Grealish scores in front of empty seats at the Leicester game
Manchester City's chairman warned that trust between fans and the board had to be the 'foundation of the success and sustainability of this club' as he hit out at the way ticketing issues have been handled. Khaldoon Al Mubarak promised 'more to come' as work goes on to keep a healthy relationship between key people at the club.
It has been a turbulent year for City and their fans. Following another season ticket price increase last season, the club were forced to U-turn on plans to charge disabled fans for matchday parking for the first time after complaints from the disabled supporters association.
Pockets of Real Madrid and Liverpool fans in the home end for high-profile matches angered fans, and the announcement of a new partnership with an eighth official resale partnership was enough for thousands of Blues to protest at a home game against Leicester in April by staying out of their seats for eight minutes. The next day, the club proposed another rise to season tickets for next season but decided against it after hearing the strength of feeling from fan board City Matters.
More Flexi Gold tickets have been announced for next term, including junior tickets and the promise that any season tickets given up will not be turned into general matchday tickets. This was not enough to stop another protest of thousands for the Wolves match though as various fan groups made clear that there are still issues they would like to be resolved.
City chairman Al Mubarak agrees, and did not have any criticism for the protests where fans made their feelings clear. Pep Guardiola has previously said he would rather fans be active rather than passive.
“I think this is a very important question," Al Mubarak told in-house media. "This has been a relationship built on trust between the fans and the club. And that trust comes both ways.
"I think this issue on ticketing is no doubt something that has... I'm not okay with the way it played out. I think the management team is working very closely with City Matters, addressing and understanding the issues.
"That's key in solving any issues, you have to understand what the issues are, and you have to really, constructively speak and, try to work it out. What I'm sure about and I hope this message comes out loud and clear, is that relationship of trust between the fans and the club is the foundation of the success and sustainability of this club.
"And we know that, and we appreciate that deeply. These conversations with City Matters and our fans will continue, and we will try to find solutions always to address some of the challenges in a way that is fair for everyone.
"Some announcements have been made so far. But there's more to come. We’re going to work hard, we’re going to continue to work hard together to find the optimal solutions that work for everyone.”
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