Crystal Palace supporters have accused their fans of leaving a “bitter taste” by removing discounted tickets that have been in place for years for armed forces and staff.
The club has eliminated the season ticket discount for the 2024-25 season.
Police officers, nurses and soldiers will be among those who will see their bonuses increase by up to £300, the Mirror.
Crystal Palace, which reported club-record revenue of £160m in its latest accounts, will earn an extra £25,000 next season by removing discounted tickets.
The club’s ticket office has confirmed that discounted tickets will not be reinstated, highlighting that the decision had been highlighted to fans last season.
Crystal Palace has been criticized for removing discounts for armed forces and NHS staff
Crystal Palace will reportedly make £25,000 by removing discounted tickets for supporters
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“I understand that the removal of the discount may be disappointing news, especially considering the support and loyalty you have shown to the club over the years,” read an email to a supporter.
‘Please know that this decision was not made lightly and we value the contributions of our military personnel.
‘I would like to clarify that when season ticket renewals went on sale last season, we informed fans in person or by phone that the discount would no longer be applicable for the 24/25 season. I have since spoken to our box office and the discount will not be reinstated.
“We recognize that changes like these can be unsettling and we apologize if there was any confusion or inconvenience caused.”
One supporter, Danny Hannigan, told the Mirror that the club’s relationship with fans has “gone backwards”.
“I’m seriously thinking about not renewing,” he said.
‘It’s not the money, it’s the way it has been handled. I make a 200 mile round trip to the ground, a full day, but this has left a bitter taste in my mouth.
‘They don’t care about the fans anymore. All they do is get more money from the fans. Nothing comes back. “In the championship it seemed like a family club, now they do what they want.”
Crystal Palace fans have protested against the club’s ownership in recent months
Manchester City fans raise a banner in frustration over the increase in ticket prices for next season.
Crystal Palace fans had protested against the club’s owners in February, with banners displayed in the crowd during a home match against Chelsea.
Fans had also displayed banners reading “Wasted potential on and off the pitch, weak decisions, setting us back” during a defeat against Arsenal in January.
Several Premier League clubs have recently faced protests from their fans amid a rise in ticket prices.
Manchester City fans accused the Premier League champions of exploiting loyalty as they raised a banner before their 0-0 draw with Arsenal on Sunday.
City sent an email to fans last week informing them of the individual price they would have to pay for season tickets next year, with fans asked to pay on average a percentage increase in the price of their seat.
The rise in cost has angered supporters groups and they have accused the club of pricing them out, especially after they recently recorded record revenues of £712m.
Tottenham fans also turned their backs on Saturday’s game against Luton in the 65th minute to support the ‘Save Our Seniors’ group.
Spurs confirmed last month that OAP concessions would only apply to matchday tickets for the 2025-26 campaign, “reluctantly” removing discounts on senior season tickets for sustainability reasons.
Tottenham fans turned their backs in a protest during the 65th minute against Luton.
The protest was organized in response to the club eliminating discounts on senior season tickets.
The north London team also announced there would be a six per cent increase in season tickets from 2024-25, prompting fans to accuse the club of “theft” on social media amid the current cost of living crisis.
Tottenham’s move followed a similar decision by north London rivals Arsenal, while Manchester United, Brentford and Burnley announced ticket price increases.
Chelsea’s Supporters Trust launched a scathing attack on the club’s board last month, warning that sentiment was approaching “irreversible toxicity” amid rumors that season ticket prices will rise this summer.
The club’s Fan Advisory Council responded by emphasizing that they have been involved in direct dialogue with the owners about their ticket sales plans.
