Manchester United fans have reacted with fury after “thousands” had their season-ticket accounts restricted in a crackdown on touting — but supporters say many of the club’s most loyal followers have been caught in the net.
Among them is Andy, a season-ticket holder for more than 35 years, who was told on Monday night that his account had been flagged. His father has held a season ticket since 1974. “Going the match is our bond,” he told BBC Sport. “Things like that are what keep older people alive sometimes. It’s stressful enough for my own mental health but I think it could make my dad ill.”
“Manchester United fans say thousands of season-ticket holders have had accounts restricted in a crackdown on touting.”
The club declined to comment on the process or fan reaction. In an email seen by BBC Sport, United told one supporter: “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 restrictions placed on their online accounts, preventing them from buying or transferring tickets. They have been asked to submit evidence to defend themselves. No tickets have been revoked so far, and an appeals panel will make a final decision before United’s Premier League season begins on 22 August.
But supporters say they have not been told explicitly what they are accused of, and that the lack of information feels like an invitation to incriminate themselves. “They have already taken my season ticket money,” Andy said. “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.”
In a social media post, the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust said the club had been “sending out account suspensions and season-ticket cancellation notices to thousands of supporters” and had been “overwhelmed with requests for help”.
The question now is whether United will follow through on its threat — and what it will mean for the bond between the club and the fans who have stood by it through the second division and beyond.