Pep Guardiola supports fans protesting Manchester City ticketing deals

In England, Manchester City fans staged a protest over ticketing issues during their home game against Leicester City on April 2, 2025. The 1894 Group, a supporters' organization, urged fans to delay taking their seats for the first nine minutes to express their discontent over the club's sponsorship deal with Viagogo. They raised concerns about the implications of the partnership which they argue leads to inflated ticket prices and contributes to the issue of tickets falling into the hands of away fans. This protest resulted in noticeable empty seats around the stadium as fans gathered outside with a banner reading 'MCFC For The Love Not The Money.' Prior to the protest, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola publicly supported the right of fans to voice their grievances. Guardiola acknowledged that football clubs are inherently tied to their communities and emphasized that fans should indeed express their concerns to the club when they disagree with policies. The manager's backing underscores the rising tension between supporters and the club regarding ticketing strategies, especially considering this is not the first instance of discontent. Additionally, the specific partnership with Viagogo has come under scrutiny as it is described as their ninth deal with a third-party ticket seller. Although the agreement only pertains to hospitality tickets, fears linger among supporters that such arrangements lead to broader issues related to ticket availability and affordability. The protests highlight an ongoing dialogue about the balance between commercial interests and fan engagement in modern football. The fans’ actions signal a growing resolve to reclaim what they feel is their right to fair access to ticketing, reflecting a broader trend in sports where fan voices are becoming increasingly influential. In response to the unrest, both the club and Guardiola have been urged to engage in constructive discussions with fans about the ticketing situation, stressing the need for better communication and transparency moving forward.