Man City Slammed as ‘Tone Deaf’ Over Viagogo Ticket Deal

Fan Groups Outraged by Man City Resale Partnership

Manchester City have come under fire from their own supporters after announcing a new global partnership with third-party ticket resale platform Viagogo. The move, which allows some hospitality tickets for men’s and women’s games to be sold via the platform, has sparked backlash from fans who believe it could drive up prices and compromise stadium security.

The Premier League champions have stated that standard match tickets will not be available on Viagogo. However, fan groups remain skeptical, citing concerns that this deal could lead to inflated pricing and away fans gaining access to home sections.

Supporters Fear for Ticket Prices and Stadium Security

Manchester City supporters have already witnessed several high-profile incidents this season where away fans have secured seats in home sections at the Etihad Stadium. Cases involving Feyenoord, Manchester United, and Real Madrid fans have led to the club suspending or banning hundreds of ticketing accounts.

A joint statement from City supporter groups 1894, Trade Union Blues, and MCFC Fans Foodbank highlighted their concerns:

“Away fans obtaining tickets in home areas has caused safety issues and distrust amongst supporters. Many are now unwilling to use the club’s official ticket exchange in fear of where their ticket will end up—yet another ticket partner may only add to this.”

In response to City’s lack of engagement with fan concerns, these groups have called for a boycott of the first nine minutes of their upcoming Premier League match against Leicester City on April 2. Supporters are being urged to remain on the concourse as a symbolic protest under the slogan:

“Football without fans is nothing.”

Their frustration is further fueled by the club’s failure to respond to an open letter—signed by seven City supporter groups—regarding ticket pricing concerns. The letter, sent seven weeks ago, remains unanswered.

City Matters Chair: “This is Tone Deaf”

Man City fans oppose partnership with ticket resale site Viagogo

The controversy has intensified due to City’s silence on season ticket pricing for the 2025-26 season. Fans fear that prices could rise significantly, especially with the club’s increasing commercial partnerships in ticketing.

Alex Howell, chair of City’s fan advisory board, City Matters, was blunt in his criticism:

“To sign a ninth partnership with a ticket resale platform is incredibly tone deaf given the strength of concern.”

Howell also raised concerns about price gouging, suggesting that partnering with Viagogo—a company that has faced regulatory scrutiny in the UK—sends the wrong message to supporters.

“Plenty of clubs run their own in-house ticket resale platforms allowing supporters to pass on tickets to one another at face value. Why does any club need to engage a third party company whose only reason for existence is to push up prices and profit from matchgoers?”

His comments align with those of the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA), which has long campaigned for fair ticket pricing in English football.

Fan Backlash Builds as Club Holds Crisis Meeting

Man City ‘tone deaf’ on ticket deal

In response to the escalating situation, City have scheduled an extraordinary meeting with City Matters on April 3. However, fan representatives have already gone on strike in protest, refusing to engage with the club until meaningful discussions take place.

The backlash has been amplified by the wider issue of rising ticket prices in football, a matter that sparked nationwide demonstrations earlier this season.

The UK government has also taken note, launching a public consultation on capping resale ticket prices earlier this year. Meanwhile, in 2021, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) stated that ticket resale firms like Viagogo should face tighter regulations.

City, however, have defended their agreement, insisting that:

• Only hospitality tickets will be available on Viagogo.
• A fixed price cap will be in place.
• Dynamic ticket pricing will not apply.

Despite these reassurances, many fans remain unconvinced, fearing that any association with a third-party resale platform could open the door to price exploitation.

A Growing Divide Between Manchester City and Their Fans?

City’s rise to global football dominance has come with increased commercial interests, but their latest decision highlights a growing divide between the club’s business strategy and the concerns of its core supporters.

With season ticket prices yet to be confirmed, and tensions rising over ticket access and pricing, it’s clear that City fans are no longer willing to accept decisions without meaningful consultation.

For now, all eyes will be on the April 2 protest and the April 3 emergency meeting to see whether Manchester City will listen to its supporters—or continue down a path of commercial expansion at their expense.

Man City fans oppose partnership with ticket resale site Viagogo