Man United accused of treating fans like suspects after season-ticket crackdown

Manchester United fan groups have slammed the club for their treatment of supporters whose season ticket accounts have been restricted.

United have put in place a new system to crack down on touting, placing restrictions on accounts where usernames and login information have been shared with more than six different people.

However, some of the more savvy touts appear to have found a loophole in the system.

The Red Devils have been accused of creating an “environment where loyal fans fear losing relationships with the club that have been built over decades”.

A collective statement on behalf of all United fan groups criticised the club’s new policy.

Manchester United supporters protest proposed ticket changes by Sir Jim Ratcliffe . (Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)

It read: “The issues raised are not about defending ticket touting or abuse of the club’s ticketing system.

“Professional touting, automated purchasing and those who exploit supporters for financial gain have no place at Manchester United and deserve robust action.

“However, that action must be fair, proportionate and transparent.

“Long-standing supporters who have followed Manchester United for decades, often across multiple generations of the same family, should never feel they are being treated as suspects without clear evidence, due process or a meaningful opportunity to respond to the allegations made against them.

“The current approach has created a growing perception among supporters of a ‘ban first and ask questions later’ process.

“That is not how trust is built, nor is it consistent with the standards of fairness that loyal supporters should expect from their football club.

“Investigations should establish the facts before sanctions are imposed, particularly where the potential consequence is the loss of a season ticket and relationships with the club built over many decades.

“The fans’ forum has rightly called on the club to pause the issuing of further suspensions and to halt any cancellation of season tickets while meaningful discussions take place.

“We fully support that request. Taking time to review the current approach, engage with supporter representatives and restore confidence is in the interests of both the club and its supporters.”

Systems in place at Manchester United consider accounts used by seven different people as possible touting.

It then flags the account for further investigation.

Despite the fans outburst, United wants tickets to be purchased and resold through their authorised means.

The club have denied that the measures are designed to earn extra revenue or to reduce the number of season ticket holders.

Instead, they have confirmed that any cancelled season tickets will be reissued to another person on the season ticket waiting list.