Manchester United ban 685 ticket-holders in touting crackdown

Manchester United have taken firm action against alleged ticket touting, banning 685 season-ticket holders after a major investigation into the club’s ticketing system.

The investigation began after United identified 1,617 accounts showing unusual activity.

They contacted the account holders to explain their actions and ask for any information that could help the investigation.

Of the cases reviewed, 499 bans were upheld after appeals, while another 73 supporters were banned without submitting an appeal. 

The club also cancelled 113 season tickets after account holders failed to respond to repeated requests for information. However, not every case led to a ban.

United issued final warnings to 226 accounts, while 238 supporters had their initial bans reduced to restrictions preventing them from forwarding home tickets or applying for away matches.

They also cleared 468 cases after supporters provided satisfactory explanations.

“Bans were issued where there was significant misuse of the ticketing system for financial gain,” United said in a statement (via The Athletic). 

“This included the operation of organised ticketing networks, which were controlling, selling and distributing tickets from hundreds of accounts.

“These actions undermine fair access to tickets for genuine supporters and have no place at Manchester United.

“Our focus now turns to ensuring these tickets are returned to our supporters. All season tickets released through this process will be offered to supporters on the season ticket waiting list.

“Refunds have been or will be issued to each of the season ticket holders who have been banned.”

Fan group The 1958 plan to protest the sanctions ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby against Manchester City.

Some fans have also criticised how United communicated the possible punishments, saying the club’s messages were too aggressive and caused considerable concern among supporters worried about losing seats they had held for years.

They were also frustrated with messages sent to season-ticket holders regarding the Champions League match against Sabah.

Some supporters were told they needed to pay to attend or risk losing their seat for a future Premier League fixture.