Following Man Utd (H) reaching public sale, we are seeking clarification from NUFC on what they are doing to prevent away fans purchasing tickets in home areas.
At time of writing block D of Level 7 Leazes Corner (the closest block to the away area) has just over 50 tickets available, compared to block A, which has over 300 seats on sale.
There may be a temptation for Man Utd fans to buy tickets in this block, where they will be close to fellow fans. We fear this could result in the kind of ugly scenes we saw against Liverpool in May.
Here is the letter sent to the club’s Box Office Manager Stephen Tickle today:
Manchester United fans purchasing tickets in home areas for match on 6 October
Dear Mr Tickle,
Following the ugly scenes in May during the match between Newcastle United and Liverpool, as a result of away supporters getting tickets in home seating areas, we are seeking clarification from the club on what steps are being taken to prevent Manchester United fans doing the same ahead of the game on 6 October.
The match against Liverpool earlier this year saw 22 supporters ejected and seven arrests following numerous violent incidents, after away supporters managed to acquire tickets in home areas.
Following the Liverpool match, the club released a statement saying that it “restricted match ticket sales to existing [NUFC] members” and that “no general admission tickets were sold to Liverpool supporters by Newcastle United beyond the visitors’ usual allocation.”
Despite this, there were large numbers of Liverpool fans in home areas, which led to an uncomfortable and potentially dangerous environment for Newcastle United supporters.
The attendance at the Brighton match was the lowest at St James’ Park for a Premier League match since August 2011 and some Manchester United might see the game in October as an opportunity to buy tickets in home areas, which currently, they can do with ease.
Tickets for the Manchester United match are on public sale, meaning that non-members and therefore potentially, Manchester United supporters can purchase tickets, even in areas such as block D of Level 7 Leazes West Corner, the block next to the areas where Manchester United fans will be seated.
At time of writing block D of Level 7 has just over 50 tickets available, compared to block A, which has over 300 seats available.
We would suggest that there will be a temptation for Manchester United supporters to buy tickets in these blocks, where they will be close to fellow fans. It’s likely that many may already have done so and we are concerned that on the day, these areas will not only become an extension of the away end – but could be flashpoints for conflict between fans.
Our group would appreciate urgent clarification on what steps the club is taking to prevent Manchester United supporters purchasing tickets in home areas and what action will be taken towards away match-goers who do so. Yours faithfully, Joe Halliday, member of Toon For Change
