The Guardian reported that Manchester City fans have taken legal action against the club in response to Manchester City's season ticket policy. Manchester City fans launched a legal lawsuit over the club's newly introduced season ticket poli...
The Guardian reported that Manchester City fans have taken legal action against the club in response to Manchester City's season ticket policy.
Manchester City fans launched a legal lawsuit over the club's newly introduced season ticket policy, accusing the policy of discrimination. The focus of the controversy is that the new regulations require fans to watch at least 10 league games on site before they can retain their qualification for the next season's season ticket.
The Blue Union fan organization, composed of union members, has commissioned Leigh Day law firm to ask the club to re-evaluate the policy, believing it may violate the Equality Act of 2010. Organization Secretary Chris Neville said: "This policy is not to reward loyalty, but to punish people's normal circumstances. Illness, pregnancy, disability, nursing responsibilities or shift work can all make you lose your season ticket. Many of our members have shared the joys and sorrows with the team, but are now facing exclusion due to rigid standards that do not consider individual circumstances."
Manchester City announced the freeze of season ticket prices after consultation with the Advisory Committee on Election Fans last month, but increased the number of home league games that season ticket holders must watch on site from 14 to 16, while only 6 of which can be transferred or resold. The club revealed to "City Affairs" that currently 37,000 season ticket holders are absent from the Premier League on average, and ticketing use has become a prominent problem.
Although Liverpool and Arsenal also have season ticket attendance requirements, there is no transfer/resale limit, and Arsenal also exempts restrictions on season ticket holders with disabilities. Ryan Bradshaw, a human rights partner at Leigh Day, pointed out: "Manchester City's new policy requires individuals to be present, seriously harming the interests of multiple groups protected by the Equality Act and has not seen any effective mitigation measures. This is particularly unfair to working-class fans who need shifts or are unstable employment, who may not be present due to fear of unemployment."
At present, Manchester City has not responded to a request for comment.
