Widespread frustration and confusion as Newcastle United unveil controversial membership plans

Newcastle United fans have shared frustration and confusion on Tuesday morning in response to the club's long-awaited membership announcement.

Details about 2023/24 memberships at Newcastle United were shared online today just 24 hours ahead of sales beginning at 10 am on Wednesday, July 26.

The club stated: "Being a member brings supporters even closer to the club, providing a range of exclusive benefits and priority access to home match tickets.

"Members will once again have a priority period for home match tickets. This season, the opportunity to attend online fan events with legends and players is included. The club is also introducing a specific Membership category for international fans."

Membership is priced at £37 for adults and £20 for fans under the age of 18. The list of benefits from buying an adult membership is listed as:

• Digital Membership card
• Priority access to tickets to home matches via a ballot - STRICTLY ONE TICKET PER MEMBER
• No booking fee when purchasing tickets
• Access to ticket re-sale opportunities
• Access to two digital events with Club Legends and/or players (subject to availability, terms and conditions apply)
• Access to streaming (where available)
• Get 25% off food and beverage on matchday for the first 30 minutes after gates open
• 10% discount on drinks and 15% off food at Shearers Bar on non-matchdays
• 25% discount on stadium tours
• Free hire of event space in Shearer's (once per season - terms and conditions apply)

The details have caused widespread disapproval from Newcastle United fans who have criticised the ballot system for allocating tickets, a lack of a renewal process and questions over the number of memberships being sold.

Reacting to the news, Chair of Newcastle United Supporters Trust (NUST) Greg Tomlinson said: "So many questions. How far in advance will the ballot take place so fans can book travel and hotels? Can you select where you want to be in SJP? And so on. . . @nufctrust will shortly by sharing a feedback form and will take up relevant issues with @nufc."

The controversial membership changes from the club come after meetings with the NUST, who had already shared concerns with representatives.

In a statement released on Monday evening, just before the membership announcement, the NUST said: "The Newcastle United Supporters Trust shares the concerns of our members and wider Newcastle United fan base regarding the lack of information on memberships, new seasons tickets (if any) or single match tickets.

"There are just 18 days to go until our first game of the new season against Aston Villa and 25 until our first away game against Manchester City. Late ticketing arrangements mean significant uncertainty and increased costs for supporters travelling to games.

"Since the takeover of Newcastle United in 2021, the Trust has built up a constructive working relationship with Newcastle United. Over recent months we have met with the club on a number of occasions on a one-to-one basis, attended fan ticketing workshops and as recently as today been in communication with club officials to raise member concerns on ticketing.

"Newcastle United have assured the Trust that they have considered the concerns we have fed back to them on behalf of our members, and assures us that they will be releasing relevant membership and ticketing information as soon as they can."