'Disgusting' - Manchester City slammed over Newcastle United FA Cup decision

A general view of the Etihad Stadium ahead of the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Manchester City have been slammed over their ticket pricing for the FA Cup quarter-final clash against Newcastle United later this month.

Eddie Howe's side visit the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, March 16 (kick-off 5:30pm) and will be backed by another bumper away following, just like the previous rounds at Sunderland, Fulham and Blackburn Rovers.

But once again, a lot will be asked of supporters financially after Man City set adult ticket prices between £35 and £37.50. That is despite Newcastle charging City fans £20 for the Carabao Cup meeting at St James' Park in September.

Reacting on X - formerly known as Twitter - Newcastle United Supporters' Club (NUSC) said: "In the @Carabao_Cup, we charged Man City fans £20 for adults. In the @EmiratesFACup, #MCFC will charge our supporters £37.

"Another example of poor ticket pricing our supporters have faced this season and further evidence a cup price cap is needed."

One fan replied "disgusting" while another said "ticket caps should be in place across all professional football competitions. Even UEFA competitions have price caps."

The Football Supporters' Association has quickly come out and supported NUSC's view and said: "The £30 cap in the Premier League has been a great success - saving fans millions and ensuring away ends stay full.

"This might not be a Premier League game, but the FA Cup should never be used as an excuse to ramp up costs and rip off fans. Keep the #FACup affordable."

In the previous round, Blackburn were praised for keeping the cost of an adult ticket at £20 compared to Fulham, who charged £40 for a fourth round game.

Tickets for the trip to Man City went on sale to fans with 25 or more away points on Monday. Subject to availability, points will be reduced twice daily at 10am and 4pm, excluding weekends.

Newcastle's last - and only - win at the Etihad Stadium was nearly 10 years ago when Rolando Aarons and Moussa Sissoko scored in a 2-0 League Cup. Should the Magpies somehow progress, they will return to Wembley for the semi-final.