Update: Man City fans slam ‘ridiculous’ ticket prices as Aston Villa game is marred by empty seats News

Football fans couldn’t help but notice the number of empty seats at the Etihad Stadium as Manchester City and Aston Villa looked to boost their chances of Champions League qualification

Football fans have vented their frustrations online after images of thousands of empty seats at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium last night (April 22) were shared on social media. The reigning champions took on Aston Villa as both sides looked to boost their chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League – with City ultimately sealing a 2-1 victory thanks to Matheus Nunes’ last-gasp strike.

With so much to play for at this crucial stage of the current Premier League season, most would have expected a sell-out crowd. That was far from the reality, however, with City yet to confirm the official attendance. Supporter, William Ash, took to X to showcase his surroundings from the stands during the game – noting a vast number of empty seats nearby.

“Nice work City,” he penned sarcastically. The Football Away Days account on X shared William’s clip too, penning a caption of their own: “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?”

Whilst there is cap on ticket pricing set at £30 by the Premier League for fans of away teams, which has been the case since 2016, there is no limit on cost for those cheering on their own teams. And as fans protested outside the Etihad Stadium prior to kick off, a leaflet handed out by protestors detailed the cheapest matchday ticket started at £71 for adults and £42 for children.

“It looked terrible on TV to see so many empty seats,” one X user exclaimed. “Keep pushing this with videos to highlight the outrageous prices these clubs want to charge now. More protests needed.”

A Manchester City fan claimed: “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 FA Cup semi final. It’s ridiculous.”

Another football lover slammed those who poked fun at City: “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.”

A third person slammed: “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.”

Whilst another City offered an explanation: “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.”

Meanwhile, a fellow supporter blasted: “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.”

Earlier this month, meanwhile, Manchester City confirmed all ticket prices would remain the same next season. A statement 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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