Newcastle United issue supporters warning over ‘spot checks’ on tickets at Man City

Newcastle United fans have been issued guidance from the club for this weekend's visit to Manchester City with the club planning to carry out spot checks on tickets.

Magpies supporters have been told to ensure the name on their match ticket corresponds with their photo ID, otherwise they may not be allowed to enter the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening.

Newcastle United staff will be present at the ground and carrying on spot checks 'to ensure only travelling supporters with legitimate possession of tickets are able to enter the stadium'.

Some tickets will be automatically rejected at entry and those ticketholders will be required to go to the Etihad Stadium's away box office to verify their identity. The ticket will then be re-issued.

Newcastle United stated: "The club is taking this step to ensure fairness to all supporters who purchase tickets through its established loyalty points system and to prevent potential ticket touting.

"The loyalty points system enables season ticket holders with the highest number of loyalty points - accrued as one point per away match attended - to have priority access during the sales process. The loyalty point threshold is reduced incrementally on designated days, allowing those with fewer points to eventually buy a ticket subject to remaining availability.

"Demand for away tickets is extremely high and the club continues to receive complaints about match tickets being passed on to supporters who may not meet the criteria to purchase, which is against the terms and conditions of sale."

There had been some confusion from travelling fans who had booked in a group and did not have their name on a ticket. Newcastle United Supporters Club clarified on Twitter: "Travel groups can use any of the tickets issued to lead supporter but if asked for ID, you must be in the travel group.

"They’ve said some tickets will get rejected at turnstile and supporters will be redirected to an “away box office” to provide their photo ID."