Newcastle United have amended a controversial new ticket ballot system after its supporters’ trust warned that changes would be a “huge financial worry during a cost-of-living crisis”.
The club last month announced a new random ballot process for the 2023-24 season, during which Eddie Howe’s side will compete in the Champions League for the first time in 20 years.
Adults must first pay a season membership fee of £37 this term to receive “priority access” to home games at St James’ Park through a ballot, but were told that, if successful, seats would be allocated randomly, with payment taken automatically.
That meant fans were faced with paying up to £74 for a match ticket — a 28 percent increase from last season’s most expensive option at £58.
The Newcastle United Supporters’ Trust (NUST) said on Tuesday that that it was “hugely concerned” about the changes and was “urgently seeking clarity”.
An update from the elected Board of @nufctrust following the announcement on ticketing from @nufc earlier today 👇#nufc pic.twitter.com/EivOkcpH9a
— Newcastle United Supporters Trust (@nufctrust) August 1, 2023
A statement read: “Successful applicants will be randomly allocated seats ranging between £44 and £74, leaving fans with no choice as to the total cost of their ticket. This potential difference in price between categories is significant and is a huge financial worry for many fans during a cost-of-living crisis.
“We share the concerns of our members at what appears to be a blanket approach to the ballot.”
Newcastle said on Wednesday that it had adjusted the ballot process following supporter feedback, with members “now able to select a specific ticket price category that best suits their needs.” The club also said that payment would now only be taken automatically if supporters were successful in their “chosen category”.
Newcastle CEO Darren Eales said: “Supporter engagement is hugely important to us and we will continue to seek fans’ views as we build towards sustainable success together.”
We are glad that @nufc have taken on board the concerns raised by us, our members and the fan base. Thank you to all of our members that have contacted us about this issue. https://t.co/Yy2xyLKgdE
— Newcastle United Supporters Trust (@nufctrust) August 2, 2023
NUST said it was “glad” the club had responded to concerns.
The new ballot system opened for the first time on August 2, ahead of the Newcastle’s first Premier League game at home to Aston Villa on August 12.
Newcastle have also this season announced a new international membership category for the first time.
NUST added in its original statement: “It is imperative that the club puts Newcastle United fans first and maintains the integrity and uniqueness of our St. James’ Park atmosphere.”
(Photo: Getty Images)
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