Manchester United fans have reacted with fury after “thousands” of season-ticket holders had their accounts restricted, part of a club crackdown on touting that supporters say is punishing their most loyal followers.
Andy, a season-ticket holder for more than 35 years, told BBC Sport he was informed on Monday night that his account had been restricted. “I feel angry about it — they just want us gone,” he said. His father has held a season ticket since 1974, when United were in the second division. “He is a pensioner now and I have to help him with all the online stuff since digital tickets became a thing. Going the match is our bond. Things like that are what keep older people alive sometimes.”
“Manchester United fans furious as 'thousands' of season-ticket accounts restricted in anti-touting drive.”
United declined to comment on the process or the fan reaction. But an email seen by BBC Sport told supporters: “We have identified patterns linked to your ticketing account that we need to understand more clearly. We need to establish whether there is a straightforward explanation for the activity identified.”
Those under suspicion have had their online accounts restricted, preventing them from buying or transferring tickets, and have been asked to submit evidence to defend themselves. No tickets have been revoked so far, and an appeals panel will decide on each case before United’s Premier League season begins on 22 August.
But fans say they have not been told exactly what they are accused of, that the lack of information feels like an invitation to incriminate themselves, and that the confusion is causing significant anxiety. Andy said: “They have already taken my season ticket money. They don’t care about how it affects people, their relationships, maybe their health and mental health. There is no empathy. I feel like people are punished for their loyalty. They don’t want fans, they want customers.”
The Manchester United Supporters’ Trust said the club has “been sending out account suspensions and season-ticket cancellation notices to thousands of supporters” and that they have been “overwhelmed with requests for help”. Having sold 46,800 season tickets, United now faces a backlash from the very fans who fill its stadium week after week.