Man Utd accused of treating fans like ‘SUSPECTS’ as club blasted over season ticket clampdown in unprecedented statement

MANCHESTER UNITED have been accused of treating supporters as “suspects” after thousands of season-ticket accounts were restricted. United have restricted accounts where username and login details are shared with more than six different people amid an attempted clampdown on touting. Man United fans have hit out at the club for treating them like ‘suspects’ over season tickets Credit: Alamy United – lead by Sir Jim Ratcliffe – have clamped down on accounts that share multiple tickets Credit: Getty However, it is understood the most skilled touts have not been affected as they use innovative methods to get around United’s settings. One long-time season ticket holder posted on X on Monday night: “Had the dreaded email from United. 22 years, home & away, every game. Sign up for the Man United newsletter Thank you! “Upwards of 75 European aways, and now it’s over. Finished. And for what? Helping my mum forward a ticket.” United have been accused of creating an “environment where loyal fans fear losing relationships with the club that have been built over decades”. For the first time ever, all major United fan groups came together in a joint statement. They said: “The issues raised are not about defending ticket touting or abuse of the Club’s ticketing system. “Professional touting, automated purchasing and those who exploit supporters for financial gain have no place at Manchester United and deserve robust action. “However, that action must be fair, proportionate and transparent. Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Fan groups issued a joint statement asking United to pause further suspensions Credit: Alamy “Long-standing supporters who have followed Manchester United for decades, often across multiple generations of the same family, should never feel they are being treated as suspects without clear evidence, due process or a meaningful opportunity to respond to the allegations made against them. “The current approach has created a growing perception among supporters of a ‘ban first and ask questions later’ process. “That is not how trust is built, nor is it consistent with the standards of fairness that loyal supporters should expect from their football club. “Investigations should establish the facts before sanctions are imposed, particularly where the potential consequence is the loss of a season ticket and relationships with the club built over many decades. “The fans’ forum has rightly called on the club to pause the issuing of further suspensions and to halt any cancellation of season tickets while meaningful discussions take place. “We fully support that request. Taking time to review the current approach, engage with supporter representatives and restore confidence is in the interests of both the club and its supporters.” United insist their system wouldn’t flag harmless activity like logging into a relative’s account Credit: AFP Accounts used by seven different people is considered a red flag by United’s system amid possible touting. United sources say their system would not flag harmless activity, such as someone logging into a relative’s account. But United insist that no ticketing process requires a supporter to access another person’s account and the club want tickets to be purchased, forwarded and managed through United’s authorised process. United have denied the measures are related to revenue or reducing the number of season ticket holders amid suspicions from time-served supporters. The club claims that any cancelled season tickets will be reissued to someone on the season ticket waiting list. United are midway through an anti-touting operation and will not be providing data and figures while that case is ongoing. Affected supporters have been sent a request for information and sanctions are not imposed until supporters have either replied or 14 days have lapsed without a response. United fans have previously vented their frustration at season ticket price hikes Credit: Getty United insist they have to protect the integrity of their ticketing operation and remain committed to removing touts who are abusing the process. Although club figures expressed sympathy with the distress their emails may cause supporters, they are adamant the recipients contacted have accounts whose activity is consistent with the behaviour of touts or there has been a technical anomaly. United also stressed no sanctions would be imposed if there is a straightforward explanation. The latest activity continues to drive a wedge between United and their paying supporters after a number of controversial measures in the past two years. Ticket prices were hiked midway through the 2024-25 season to £66, season-ticket holders in the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand have been relocated to make way for more hospitality seating while season ticket prices have also been raised. Comment now