Manchester United supporters’ groups have criticised the club for suspending season tickets as part of a crackdown on illegal ticket reselling. The official Fans’ Forum, the Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST), The 1958, and five other groups issued a joint statement complaining that loyal fans are being “treated as suspects”.
United contacted fans who used six or more devices to access their accounts, suggesting potential bulk buying for resale. Members are only permitted to forward tickets to other members or sell them back to the club. Those contacted were asked to explain their activity, identify the devices used, and provide photo ID.
In their statement, the groups acknowledged that touting and automated purchasing deserve “robust action”, but argued the current approach is unfair. “Longstanding supporters… should never feel they are being treated as suspects without clear evidence, due process or a meaningful opportunity to respond,” they said. They called for a pause on further suspensions and cancellations while discussions take place.
Fans have cited reasons such as managing accounts for friends or elderly relatives who struggle with technology. United’s position is that no bans have been applied and any revoked season tickets will be reissued before the first home game against Ipswich Town on 30 August. The club has restricted appeal deadlines to three days, arguing that the usual 14-day window could be exploited by touts.
