Arsenal fans’ group call for rethink over Bayern Munich tickets

Arsenal came under pressure today to review their ticketing policy after a leading supporters’ group claimed fans are being priced out of attending the Champions League last-16 first-leg clash against Bayern Munich.

The club opted to make their FA Cup fifth-round clash with Liverpool a Category B match but that game counts as the seventh and final cup match included in the price of a season ticket for this campaign. That means season-ticket holders who attend the Bayern game will be charged between £62 and £132 — a fee added to the price of their renewal for next season — because the match against the defending European champions is virtually certain to be classed as Category A.

The Arsenal Supporters’ Trust believe Arsenal could risk playing in front of a raft of empty seats because supporters are already being asked to pay some of the highest ticket prices in the country.

Bayern Munich earned plaudits for their decision to subsidise the ticket prices for their away fans but Arsenal were keen to point out that, along with many other English clubs, they also offer cut-price tickets as part of a Premier League initiative.

The AST are now pushing for concessions to help supporters attend one of the biggest matches of the season. “We are very concerned that many Arsenal season-ticket holders say they can’t afford to attend the Bayern game, which will now cost between £62 and £132,” an AST spokesman told Standard Sport.

“This will have a detrimental effect on the noise and passion in the ground for an important game. We urge the club to think again and apply the extra credit at a rate equivalent to the average price of their season tickets. Season-ticket holders have paid between £1,000 and £2,000, in advance, to the club. Their loyalty and commitment deserves better.

“We also note that Ivan Gazidis has frequently praised Bayern Munch and how they run their club and said he wants Arsenal to replicate that model. They were so shocked at Arsenal’s pricing that the club are subsidising their fans to attend.”