Fan group slam Aston Villa for 'shocking' ticket prices
Villa have been slammed for “shocking” ticket prices after it emerged some supporters must pay £82 to attend their Premier League opener against Newcastle.
Adult fans must pay a minimum of £58 to attend the August 16 fixture, with prices as high as £77 in central areas of the Holte End, behind the goal.
It comes after the club confirmed earlier this summer an increase of five per cent on matchday ticket prices, which has pushed the most expensive beyond the £80 mark for the first time.
Confirmation of the new prices has led to criticism from fan groups including the Football Supporters’ Association, which last year launched the Stop Exploiting Loyalty campaign aimed at targeting the rise in costs across the Premier League and EFL.
A post on the official FSA X account read: “Simply shocking matchday prices from #AVFC for their season-opener against #NUFC next month. £77 for a ticket in the Holte End is madness.”
The visit of Newcastle has been classed as a category three fixture by Villa, which has replaced category A and means the same prices will apply to all matches against top Premier League teams and key fixture dates.
In previous years, that category has included games against the so-called Big Six, Newcastle and Wolves.
Villa’s ticket prices have become a major source of fan frustration following a series of increases in recent seasons.
Last year non season ticket holders faced paying up to £97 to attend Champions League matches.
Villa have consistently claimed the rises are needed in order to boost revenues and help the club remain competitive, while complying with both the Premier League and Uefa’s financial rules.
The club confirmed on Friday season tickets had sold out for the seventh consecutive year.
A club statement released in May explaining pricing strategy read: “Our pricing strategy reflects careful consideration, ensuring we can create as strong a team as possible – one capable of challenging at the top end of the Premier League table and remaining competitive in European football – while continually working within the parameters of both Premier League and UEFA Profit and Sustainability rules.”
