After viewing what Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium looked like during the initial moments of the team’s Premier League match against Leicester City on Wednesday evening, fans were left speechless and in a state of shock.
Fans were left wondering why there were so few fans seated in the home section of the Etihad Stadium during the first moments of Pep Guardiola’s team’s match against Leicester on Wednesday. The match against Leicester was played at the Etihad Stadium.
When Jack Grealish scored the game’s first goal for the Premier League winners in the second minute of play, the team got off to a strong start. However, there were very few supporters present to witness the player’s goal.
Fans who were active on social media were compelled to share their opinions.
A certain individual asked: “Why so many empty seats at the Etihad?”
I have never seen the Etihad Stadium so empty; what may be the cause for this?
“Seen MK Dons with better crowds than this.”
While a third person made the following observation: “Ignoring the obvious jokes about the Etihad that I read on this site every week, why is the Etihad so empty? Have you ever seen so many chairs unoccupied?
However, there is a rationale behind this.
It was stated by The Sporting News that the cause for the protest is due to the agreement that City has formed with the ticketing site viagogo, which was revealed on March 27.
Fans have expressed their dissatisfaction with the fact that many tickets on such sites are offered at inflated costs, which effectively prevents certain fans from being able to afford to witness their team while they compete.
As a result of the fact that Viagogo is the ninth firm to engage into such an arrangement with City, fans did not take their seats until the ninth minute of the match that took place on Wednesday.
Viagogo is City’s ninth ticket resale partner, according to a statement that was published by fan groups 1894, Trade Union Blues, and MCFC Fans Foodbank Support. This will give rise to additional safety and security issues. This means that there will be more supporters from outside the city located all around the pitch. The vibe and individuality of our club will be completely destroyed as a result of this.
“The 1% of the population is being treated with 1% of the significance that we deserve. Additionally, the message proceeded by saying, “We supporters have real power; all we need to do is realise that we have it.”
The club is continuing to work with Viagogo, which is the worst of all third-party ticket dealers, despite the fact that fans are being priced out and are unable to get season tickets to the game. In our own territory, we will either be outnumbered or we will fight back.
What Pep Guardiola thinks about the demonstration
During a press conference that took place on Tuesday, the City boss shared his opinion on the demonstration that was held by the fans.
“Football clubs belong to the people and if the people don’t agree with something… they can legitimately express concerns with the club,” Guardiola stated in his statement.
Additionally, the club is open, listening to them, and working towards reaching a consensus in order to ensure that everyone is happy.
“Imagine coming to the stadium when there are no supporters there; it would be completely illogical. If we were to lock the door, our employment would then make no sense.
“Of course, I feel compassion for you. You are free to express whatever it is that you choose. This matter is not something that the club just takes for granted.
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