Aston Villa fans face ‘Problems’ as club respond to Champions League controversy
Bryan King understands the reasoning behind the UEFA Champions League ticket prices set by Aston Villa.
The ex-Villa scout claims the club’s on-field success will lead to “problems” for supporters.
Aston Villa announced via the club’s official website (4 September) that adult tickets for their four Champions League matches at Villa Park would be priced at £85, £94 and £97.
The Aston Villa Supporters’ Trust responded via their official website (4 September), writing that the announcement was “out of touch.”
As reported by BBC Sport (10 September), Villa have defended their pricing, with President of Business Operations Chris Heck insisting that “difficult decisions” must be made for the club to remain competitive.
And King – speaking exclusively to Villa News – agrees that supporters must accept the costs that come with being in Europe’s elite competition.
“Everybody was in euphoria when they qualified for the competition,” King said.
“However, these things cost. If you’re going to be playing these matches from September until January, it is going to be a big added cost for families and individuals.
“Therefore, I think the Aston Villa Supporters Trust have to realise that these competitions are what they are. It isn’t cheap to go and see the Premier League either.
“What do you want to see, do you want to see your club playing the top teams in Europe?
“I do understand that clubs have to try and get as much revenue in as they can, especially when they’re playing in the Champions League. Unfortunately, success is going to cause problems for supporters.”
Aston Villa defend UEFA Champions League ticket prices
It is understandable why fans are outraged at the high ticket pricing for the club’s Champions League fixtures.
However, from a business perspective, it is also understandable why Villa have set the prices which they have. Unfortunately, it looks as though it will be difficult for the club and its fans to see eye to eye in this situation.
However, if Villa Park is sold out for all four Champions League matches, it is difficult to see the club regretting their ticket pricing.
Therefore, the only way that fans can really hit back is by refusing to turn up, which is very unlikely to happen.
In other Aston Villa news, the club have been backed to sign a Brentford star in a “big money” transfer.
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