Manchester City have cited extra costs relating to inflation as the reason for raising season ticket prices.
Supporters will on average have to fork out an average of five per cent more to watch the Blues at the Etihad next season. It is the 12th time out of 14 that fans are being asked to pay more.
Pep Guardiola's side are on for a Treble and the club have also enjoyed record success off the pitch, recording new highs for revenue (£613m) and profit (£41.7m) in their 2021/22 report. However, the decision has still been made to charge supporters more and the Manchester Evening News has been told that 'rising operational costs connected to the increase in inflation' was behind the call.
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In addition, a club spokesperson pointed to the average price rise being below inflation and how cheap their cheapest season tickets are compared to rivals. However, whether that will be enough to appease fans unhappy with another rise at a time when the cost of living is going up, particularly given there was no reasoning offered when the new ticket prices were announced on Friday evening, remains to be seen.
City Matters - a group of ten fans representing different groups who regularly meet with the club on various issues - had called for a freeze and showed their disappointment when their view was ignored. "City Matters are extremely disappointed with the season ticket prices increases announced by the club," a statement read.
"We are particularly shocked that the largest percentage rise has been imposed on supporters in lower-priced areas of the stadium. We have already communicated this to senior officials.
"With revenues increasing significantly in hospitality, sponsorship and broadcast, we asked the club to consider a price freeze for fans during a cost-of-living crisis. It's such a shame they decided to ignore fan representatives on this important issue."
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