Manchester City still have more to do in reaching a solution on ticketing issues that engulfed last season, according to chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak.
Supporters staged protests at the Etihad Stadium to mark displeasure at pricing, the distribution of tickets and third-party sites, as well as criteria for retaining season cards.
Thousands took part in demonstrations, which included remaining on the home concourses for the opening minutes of two matches – wins over Leicester City and Wolves.
City announced that general admission and season ticket prices would be frozen for the upcoming campaign after protests and talks with the club’s mandated fan advisory board, City Matters.
They are understood to have proposed a 2.8 per cent increase but reverted to their existing pricing strategy after ‘constructive dialogue’ with fans.
‘This has been a relationship built on trust between the fans and the club,’ Al Mubarak said. ‘And that trust comes both ways. I think this issue on ticketing is no doubt something that has… I’m not OK with the way it played out.
Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak says the club are working hard for solutions
Supporters held protests against the club’s ticketing policies ahead of two league matches
Pep Guardiola backed the right of supporters to express their displeasure with the club
‘I think the management team is working very closely with City Matters, addressing and understanding the issues. That’s key in solving any issues, you have to understand what the issues are, and you have to really, constructively speak and, try to work it out.’
Pep Guardiola said he was on the side of ‘the people’ amid the protests and encouraged their freedom of expression.
There remain concerns among the fanbase as to whether additional season tickets will become available once the new North Stand redevelopment – taking capacity to over 60,000 – is completed.
City are issuing 500 new ‘Flexi-Gold’ season tickets to eligible members, with matchday passes bought on a game-by-game basis. It includes a £120 subscription fee – a percentage of which will be reimbursed with every ticket purchased.
‘What I’m sure about and I hope this message comes out loud and clear, is that relationship of trust between the fans and the club is the foundation of the success and sustainability of this club,’ Al Mubarak added.
‘We know that, and we appreciate that deeply. These conversations with City Matters and our fans will continue, and we will try to find solutions always to address some of the challenges in a way that is fair for everyone.
‘Some announcements have been made so far. But there’s more to come. We’re going to work hard, we’re going to continue to work hard together to find the optimal solutions that work for everyone.’
During an in-house interview, Al Mubarak was asked about the hearing with the Premier League, with both sides still awaiting a verdict.
‘I suppose the only thing I can say is we still don’t have a ruling,’ he said. ‘Once there’s a ruling, I’ll be able to speak about it. Until then we just have to be patient. We will talk about it, I promise you, once we have the ruling.’
