Aston Villa doubles disabled parking fees ahead of Champions League debut
- Aston Villa has increased disabled matchday parking fees from £190 to £380, a 100% rise.
- Fans were given only a week's notice about the price hike, leading to frustration and pressure to pay.
- The club's actions have sparked backlash from supporters, who are struggling with rising costs amid ongoing construction reducing available spaces.
Aston Villa has recently increased the price of disabled matchday parking tickets by 100%, raising costs from £190 to £380. This decision comes as the club prepares for its first Champions League appearance in 41 years, leading to frustration among fans regarding the overall cost of attending home matches. The club has also raised ticket prices for the Champions League, with some tickets costing as much as £97 for non-season ticket holders and £82 for season ticket holders. The Aston Villa Supporters Trust has expressed discontent over these financial burdens, urging the club to reconsider the pricing strategy. Fans were reportedly given little notice about the parking fee increase, being informed just a week before the season's first home game. This lack of communication has left many supporters feeling pressured to pay the new rates to secure their parking spots. Additionally, the construction work around Villa Park has reduced the number of available disabled parking spaces, further complicating the situation for supporters with disabilities. While the club has plans to create more disabled spaces in the future, the immediate impact of the price hike and reduced availability has caused significant distress among fans. The overall sentiment among supporters is one of frustration and helplessness, as many feel they have no choice but to comply with the increased costs to continue attending matches. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by fans in balancing the financial demands of supporting their team with their personal circumstances.