Chris Heck slammed for ‘predictable statement’ amid Aston Villa ticket controversy
Dan Bardell has slammed Chris Heck for his statement blaming PSR for a hike in ticket prices for Aston Villa Champions League fixtures.
Villa supporters have been left fuming by a statement from the club on 4 September, which will see some fans pay up to £97 per game in Europe’s elite competition.
The opening clash against Bayern Munich has now sold out which has been met by a statement from Villa’s president of business operations blaming PSR for the price increase (10 September).
Sky Sports and talkSPORT Bardell believes this is an easy excuse and has urged Heck to be more creative to raise funds.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: “It felt like, as they’ve sold out, they were trying to make a point by releasing a statement.
“I was surprised to see the statement but obviously Chris Heck has decided with the timing of selling out that he wants to say something.
“It was a very predictable statement, no surprise that they tried to blame PSR.
“It is too easy to hide behind. I’d have just liked to see them be more inventive, if you’re so good at your job can’t you think of a different way to alleviate these fears?
“They’ve been clever with how they did it with trading players before the 30 June deadline. Even I could go in and be club president and raise ticket prices, it’s hardly reinventing the wheel.“
Chris Heck slammed for Aston Villa ticket price announcement
There was a general feeling around the fan base that the club would not backtrack on these prices despite national backlash.
As a result, it never came as a surprise when Heck opted to use finances as a shield to hide behind for making a decision that has not sat well with fans.
Villa supporters want the club to be in the best possible position but that shouldn’t have to be done at their own expense, especially with the cost of living as it is for the general fan right now.
The problem is that, despite the anger, a chance to watch Champions League football is Villa Park is one that people can’t refuse.
As a result, the club have supporters in the palm of their hands so protests at the Everton game will likely do very little to change things.
In other Aston Villa news, a start has been mooted for one new signing v Everton amid the latest injury development.
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