‘Disgraceful’ - Newcastle United supporters react to fresh ticket price hikes

Football supporters across the country are in unison after Aston Villa announced their prices for upcoming Champions League fixtures.

Unai Emery’s men achieved the unthinkable last season by breaking into the top four - a feat Newcastle United achieved 12 months earlier. Villa are set for their first Champions League campaign since its rebrand in 1992 but famously won the European Cup in 1982.

While Swiss outfit Young Boys are Villa’s first test, their homecoming will see Emery and CO take on continental heavyweights Bayern Munich on October 2. Similarly to Newcastle’s clash with Paris Saint-Germain, Villa will welcome a household name to the Midlands - with fan excitement at fever pitch.

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However, that anticipation has been dampened somewhat after the club released ticket prices for home Champions League games. Non-season ticket holders can expect to pay up to £97 to enter Villa Park - the cheapest tickets are £85. 

Toon chiefs copped similar backlash a year ago when European games were priced at £55. In solidarity with Villa supporters, many Newcastle fans hit out at the price announcement.

“Disgraceful,” one posted on social media. “You should be ashamed of yourselves. You've let your fans down big time!”

Another wrote: “Villa fans are being absolutely rinsed. I thought our UCL tickets were expensive last season but, Jesus Christ, the game is well and truly gone!”

By contrast, the most expensive Liverpool tickets are £61, with the cheapest for adults priced at £30. The Villa price list further raises the debate about whether English football needs an independent regulator - outlined in the King’s Speech earlier this year.