Aston Villa told to subsidise Champions League ticket prices after ‘out of touch’ announcement
Bryan King claims there would be a way for Aston Villa to subsidise ticket prices for some of their UEFA Champions League fixtures.
The ex-Villa scout believes that some of the money Villa receive for competing in the Champions League could be used to lower ticket costs, especially for those fixtures against “lesser-known clubs.”
Aston Villa announced via the club’s official website on Wednesday (4 September) that adult tickets for the club’s four matches at Villa Park in the new 36-team league format would be priced at £85, £94 and £97.
The Aston Villa Supporters’ Trust hit back via their official website on Wednesday (4 September), writing that the announcement was “out of touch.”
And King – speaking exclusively to Villa News – feels that there is a way for the club and supporters’ trust to work alongside each other.
“What always amazes me is that these clubs get paid an amazing amount of money by UEFA,” King said.
“However, still, to go and see a Champions League match you’re looking at an awful lot of money. That is something which Villa have to sort out with their supporters.
“Why can’t the clubs use some of that money to subsidise ticket costs? At least for some matches, not every game is Real Madrid or Barcelona. There is going to be a considerable number of games against lesser-known clubs. Will there be a cash adjustment for that?
“It is a difficult one, but there are ways of assisting supporters for their loyalty. There is money there to show some goodwill. If the club looked at it closely and worked with the supporters’ trust, there would be a way of reducing the prices.”
Aston Villa to reduce UEFA Champions League ticket prices?
Villa have waited a long time to return to Europe’s elite competition. Therefore, it is understandable why the club want to make as much money as possible from this venture at Villa Park.
However, that does not excuse pricing out loyal supporters. Therefore, the club should do everything in their power to find a solution, especially after the fan outrage in response to their ticket pricing announcement.
Villa competing in the Champions League is meant to be an exciting and momentous occasion. As a result, fans and the club won’t want that occasion to be ruined.
Villa must ensure they listen to the feedback of the Supporters’ Trust and act accordingly.
In other Aston Villa news, one player at the club could soon earn his first senior international call-up.
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