Newcastle United fans are outraged after a Dundee school acquired 45 tickets for the Champions League match against Barcelona. The Supporters’ Trust criticizes the allocation, arguing loyal members are missing out. The club is exploring stadium expansion amid high demand for tickets.
Newcastle United supporters are in an uproar after it was revealed that a school from Dundee, Scotland, secured a significant number of tickets for the highly anticipated Champions League home match against Barcelona. Lisa Mole, chair of the Newcastle United Supporters' Trust, expressed the sentiment of many fans, stating that it "stings" to see tickets for such a prestigious game being allocated to individuals seemingly outside the regular supporter base.
The demand for tickets for the September 18th clash at St James' Park was unprecedented. Over 110,000 users found themselves in the online queue when the remaining seats went on sale. The revelation that the High School of Dundee, located nearly 200 miles away, had already acquired 45 tickets has ignited further frustration among the Newcastle faithful.
The school reportedly purchased the tickets through an "approved provider," a detail that has done little to quell the growing discontent. Supporters argue that these tickets should have been made available to loyal members who consistently struggle to secure seats for home games.
Image source, Getty ImagesNewcastle United fans have found tickets at St James' Park to be in high demand
Mole emphasized that the issue isn't about preventing young fans from attending games but rather about fairness and prioritizing those who have consistently supported the club. She highlighted that many members, despite paying annual membership fees, are not guaranteed tickets and some didn't secure a single ticket through the ballot system last season. The frustration is palpable, with fans feeling that their loyalty is being overlooked in favor of external groups.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that Newcastle season ticket holders had the option to guarantee their tickets for all Champions League home games by joining the cup scheme. The remaining tickets were then divided between a ballot for members and a general sale for those with a club membership and season ticket holders who opted out of the cup scheme. The imbalance between supply and demand is stark, leaving many dedicated fans empty-handed.
Newcastle United did not directly supply the tickets to the Dundee school. A similar arrangement saw students from the same school attend Newcastle's Champions League match against AC Milan in 2023, a point that further fuels the argument that such allocations should be reevaluated. The school's spokesman stated that tickets were purchased as part of a group package.
David Burt, a former Newcastle player and current sports sales consultant at GB Sports Tours, acknowledged the complexities of the situation. He noted that while buying tickets through alternative sources isn't a new phenomenon, it underscores the challenges faced by fans in securing access to high-profile matches. Burt, who is also a Newcastle fan who has been unsuccessful in ticket ballots, has experienced the issue from both sides.
The controversy surrounding the ticket allocation underscores the pressing need for Newcastle United to address the growing demand for matchday attendance. The club are considering options such as building a new stadium or expanding the capacity of St James' Park. The supporters' trust advocates for a more transparent and equitable ticketing system that prioritizes the unwavering loyalty of Newcastle United's dedicated fanbase. With Champions League football back at St James' Park for the first time in two decades, the demand for tickets has never been higher, and ensuring fair access for all supporters is crucial for maintaining the strong bond between the club and its community.