Football fans slam 'ridiculous' ticket prices after empty seats spotted at huge game

Football fans have taken to social media to voice their dismay after snaps appearing to show thousands of empty seats at Etihad Stadium during last night's clash (April 22) circulated online. Despite the high stakes, with both City and vying for a spot in next season's , the stadium was far from packed as the hosts secured a 2-1 victory thanks to a Matheus Nunes' goal.

Anticipation might have predicted a full house for such a critical match in the run-in, but the actual turnout told a different tale, with the club yet to release official attendance figures. Disgruntled fan William Ash expressed his views on X, where he posted a video capturing the startling abundance of unoccupied seats around him in the stadium.

"Nice work City," he penned sarcastically in the post, which the Away Days page also shared, adding: "Tickets cost over 70 quid for tonight's game at the Etihad against Aston Villa. Are fans being priced out of going to games? It's a shame to see so many empty seats, but at that price, can you blame them?"

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There is a cap on ticket pricing set at £30 by the Premier League for fans of away teams, which has remained the same since 2016. However, there is currently no limit on cost for those cheering on their own teams - although stadiums are operating at 99% capacity as a whole.

With that in mind, fans protested outside the Etihad Stadium prior to kick off, meanwhile, with a leaflet handed out by protestors slamming the cheapest matchday tickets on offer - £71 for adults and £42 for children.

"It looked terrible on TV to see so many empty seats," one disgruntled fan vented. "Keep pushing this with videos to highlight the outrageous prices these clubs want to charge now. More protests needed."

A supporter alleged: "You know attendances are dropping when the club are emailing season ticket holders telling them they can now purchase an additional three match tickets for pretty much every home game! Even had the same for the semi final. It's ridiculous."

Another football fan criticised those mocking City, however: "Imagine shaming folk for not paying £60-70 a ticket. Fans should be looking out for each other while our game is being taken away from us right in front of our eyes."

Another individual expressed their concern: "This is a growing concern for the Premier League clubs. Selling nearly all their tickets on websites for the highest price. This will price out the local fans who made the club in the first place. Attracting more and more tourists and this will lead to less of an atmosphere."

Meanwhile, a different City fan provided some context: "For context this game was sold out. It was then rearranged to a Tuesday night in Easter holidays so season ticket holders who can't go put their ticket on the exchange, the club attempt to resell them and make a profit. I'd get £48 back for my ticket and the club sells it for £71."

And in another blast, a fellow supporter raged: "That video is in Block 304. The seats that are empty aren't season ticket holders. They have different people in them every week. If City carry on like this, they better get used to more empty seats and less revenue. Not helped by the decision not to sell any new season tickets."

It comes after Manchester City confirmed all ticket prices would remain the same next season. A statement released earlier this month read: "Manchester City can confirm that general admission season ticket and Premier League match-by-match ticket prices will be frozen for the 2025/26 season.

"This follows the club’s latest consultation meeting with its elected fan engagement programme, City Matters, and reflects the positive and constructive dialogue that has taken place over recent weeks."

Manchester City and Premier League were invited to comment.

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