FURIOUS Leicester City fans claim they are being fleeced by the Foxes – after being charged £25 for a plastic season ticket.
The move comes as part of a five per cent price hike – the second increase in three years – which will see the cheapest season ticket go up £19 from £385 to £404.
But Foxes fans are particularly aggrieved about the club charging them an additional £25 to hold a physical season ticket, rather than converting to a mobile ticket.
One fan took to social media to complain: “£25 to replace the perfectly good card I have, absolutely disgraceful.”
While another asked: “Please can you explain to me how a small piece of plastic costs £25 (presumably there’s no profiteering going on here) whilst a struggling club like Bradford City it only costs them £5? Shall I find out who their supplier is for you?”
Leicester risked the wrath of their fans by announcing the price rise as it entered a third year of mobile ticketing, claiming it “aligns with our goals for a more sustainable and efficient stadium experience for supporters”.
But a further fan hit back: “So printing out 30,000 clappers every game for them to be thrown around outside the stadium is better than printing 20,000 plastic cards once? Fair enough.”
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Fan group Foxes Trust say the digital ticketing option is unpopular among season-ticket holders who feel they are being financially hit in the pocket for refusing to switch to the mobile system.
They issued a statement slamming the club for not consulting them about the process.
It said: “In the past, the LCFC Fan Consultative Committee has been consulted on ticketing prices.
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“This year, the Foxes Trust is not aware of any fan consultation on price increases or charging for physical cards for 2024/25.
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“It is discouraging that this has not happened.
“We appreciate costs have increased for the club, but the increase in the cost of living for supporters should be acknowledged and their loyalty, after relegation, recognised. Inflation is currently only 3.2 per cent.
“The charge of £25 to obtain a new physical season ticket appears to be unjustifiable on grounds of cost of production alone.
“Only around 1,600 season ticket holders chose to go digital last season; a clear indication the vast majority of season ticket holders do not want to go digital, and in addition there have been a number of glitches with the digital ticket system this season.
‘A MATTER OF URGENCY’
“The Trust has previously raised the issue around the unsuitability of digital tickets for people with no access to smartphones, the disabled, the elderly, etc. and stressed that digital exclusion leads to discrimination.
“The club has assured us exceptions can be made, and we will be seeking clarification on this as a matter of urgency.
“It is noted that the club states that the £25 physical card charge will also be waived for disabled supporters and over-65s, but that does not address the overall issue.”
Another fans group Union FS issued a statement urging: “Stop the LCFC Loyalty Tax,” and stated: “The timing of the announcement is baffling, given the need for a positive atmosphere around the ground as we enter the final push for promotion.
“The club must scrap this terrible idea immediately and we urge our fellow fans not to apply for the card.”
Leicester City FC explained the decision, saying: “Ticket pricing for the season has been carefully considered in the context of ongoing inflationary pressures which, as we entirely appreciate, are a reality shared by both the club and its supporters with the rising cost of living.
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“The club has and will continue to bear the majority of the increased operating costs to which we are subject, while recognising the need to operate responsibly and sustainably.
“The club continues to benchmark against industry standards. Season tickets at King Power Stadium continue to be priced at competitive levels and continue to reflect our commitment to keeping football accessible and affordable for our dedicated supporters.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
