Manchester City Fans Urge Pep Guardiola to Pressure Club Executives About Enhancing Stadium Atmosphere

The 1894 Group – a Manchester City supporters group – have issued a statement over yet another increase in season ticket prices announced by the club this week.

Manchester City confirmed in a release to current season ticket holders this week that should they wish to renew their place at the Etihad Stadium for the forthcoming 2024/25 season, then they would be subject to an incremental rise on their existing fee.

It now makes it almost a decade of successive season ticket price increases from the Premier League champions, with the South Stand area of the Etihad Stadium seeing their season ticket costs increased on average by almost 25 per cent since the 2021/22 season.

In the last two seasons alone, season ticket costs at Manchester City have risen on average by a minimum of 12.1 per cent, with the South Stand once again seeing the greatest average increase in the last 24 months with 13.5 per cent.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News in light of the announcement, the 1894 Group insisted that following a year that saw City record record £80 million profits, there is “absolutely no justification” for the latest round of season ticket price increases.

“With £80 million profits last year, there is absolutely no justification for the continued ticket price rises. Season tickets and matchday tickets and memberships are all too high,” a statement read.

“Pep Guardiola often asks for more noise at the stadium. He needs to put this question to Ferran Soriano and Khaldoon Al Mubarak as they are the ones who implement the matchday prices.

“It looks like the club are trying to replace us with the global fanbase. If fans are priced out of attending, it means traditions, heritage and atmosphere get eroded year on year. It looks like the club want us to give up season tickets so that more tickets can go on sale via packages.”

In a message to fellow supporters, the statement continued, “Our advice would be hold on to your tickets and sell to family and friends at face value if you can’t go. Once you give up your ticket, you can’t get it back. It’s more than price rises – it’s about the heart and soul of the club.”

Manchester City are yet to comment on a number of questions put to them regarding the latest round of season ticket increases, as anger towards the decision continues to grow on social media, alongside increasing pressure to provide answers and explanations.

Manchester City are currently away on international duty, but return to action on the final day of March with an Etihad Stadium clash against Arsenal in the Premier League, while it remains to be seen whether there is any plan for visual backlash to the decision.