Khaldoon Al Mubarak issues response to Manchester City fans over ticketing issues following protests | OneFootball

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has responded to supporters after protests against the club’s ongoing matchday ticketing and season ticket policies.

A number of fan-led demonstrations and protests were organised outside and within the Etihad Stadium during the final weeks and months of the last Premier League campaign, in direct response to the club’s concerning policies surrounding tickets.

Fan groups have defended their protest action by pointing out the rising capacity at the Etihad Stadium in recent years, which has not been reflected in season ticket availability – with fewer available than six years ago.

Furthermore, supporter groups have pointed out that fans have now been made to pay up to £88 for a standard adult matchday ticket, or up to £58 for a child, while tickets are also being sold by the club through third-party websites at inflated costs.

Demonstrations outside the Etihad Stadium and a refusal to enter the stadium bowl for the opening moments of Premier League matches drew widespread attention both on the ground and on social media.

Now, speaking during his end-of-season interview with in-house club media, chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has stressed the importance of dialogue between supporters and officials, whilst admitting that he has ‘not been okay’ with how things have developed recently.

“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 OK with the way it played out,” Al Mubarak admitted.

“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,” he continued.

“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. 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.”

The Manchester City chairman added, “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.”

In direct response to the interview and the comments issued by Khaldoon Al Mubarak, prominent supporter group ‘1894’ issued their own firm response to the interview on social media.

“Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has been well aware of the ticketing issues for years – he told a board meeting before Covid [that] prices had hit a ceiling,” 1894 stated.

“Khaldoon also talks of the relationship between fans and the club [being the] ‘foundation of the success and sustainability’… Well stop banning fans for selling tickets to their mates for face value then,” they added.

“Sound bites and straight bat answers are nice, but there’s got to be a link between words and changing policy towards resellers, pricing, and availability of proper season cards.

“This was also the final end-of-season interview before the new North Stand opens, which was supposed to be a ‘blue wall’.”