Update – July 07, 2023 at 12:15AM
Manchester United, one of the world’s most renowned football clubs, is currently facing scrutiny for its contradictory position on ticket touts while allowing the sale of seats at Old Trafford through the controversial ticket resale website, Viagogo. Despite the club’s recent call for fans to report purchases from touts, it has been revealed that numerous hospitality seats are listed on Viagogo, often at exorbitant prices. This revelation has drawn the attention of a football supporters’ group, prompting questions about the club’s commitment to tackling ticket exploitation.
Fans and critics have raised concerns over Manchester United’s association with Viagogo. This online platform has long been accused of facilitating professional ticket traders to exploit supporters by selling seats far above face value. While the club’s efforts to combat touting are commendable, the availability of hospitality tickets on Viagogo raises doubts about their commitment to eradicating this issue entirely.
A football supporters’ group has voiced its concern about Manchester United’s approach to ticket sales. This development highlights a growing sentiment among supporters who feel that the club should not participate in any arrangement that could potentially encourage ticket touting. The notion of hospitality seats being available at inflated prices on Viagogo only adds fuel to the fire, as it suggests that even the club’s own ticketing avenues may contribute to the problem.
As Manchester United strives to maintain its reputation as a leading football institution, it is imperative that the club takes quick and decisive action to address this issue. Supporters deserve transparency and fairness when it comes to purchasing tickets. With the availability of hospitality seats at inflated prices on Viagogo, Manchester United risks alienating its dedicated fan base and jeopardizing the trust placed in the club.
To truly combat ticket touting, Manchester United needs to reevaluate its association with Viagogo and implement stricter measures to ensure fans are not being exploited. Considering the ongoing advancements in digital ticketing technology, exploring alternative methods that give the club more control over ticket distribution may be a prudent step. By prioritizing the fans’ experience and actively working to eliminate touting, the club can reaffirm its commitment to its loyal supporters.
As the spotlight falls on Manchester United’s stance on hospitality ticketing and its relationship with Viagogo, the club faces a critical opportunity to demonstrate its dedication to fan welfare. By actively combating ticket touting and exploring alternative ticketing methods, the club can foster a more positive and inclusive environment for all supporters. It is now up to Manchester United to take decisive action and strengthen the bond between the club and its fans, ensuring that the focus remains on the game rather than exploitation.
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