Fans were left stunned after seeing what Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium looked like during the opening stages of the team’s Premier League clash against Leicester City on Wednesday evening.
Fans were left questioning why there were so few supporters sitting in the home section of the Etihad Stadium during the opening stages of Pep Guardiola’s side’s match against Leicester on Wednesday.
The Premier League champions got off to a quick start when Jack Grealish put them ahead during the second minute of the match, however, there were hardly any fans there to see the player’s goal.
Fans on social media could not help but have their say.
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One said: "Why so many empty seats at the Etihad?"
Another added: "Never seen the Etihad this empty, any reason?
"Seen MK Dons with better crowds than this."
While a third commented: "Ignoring the obvious ‘Emptihad’ jokes I see on here every week - why is the Etihad so empty? Never seen so many empty seats?"
But there's an explanation.
As reported by The Sporting News, the reason for the protest comes from City's partnership with ticketing platform viagogo, which was announced on March 27.
Fans have voiced their concerns as many tickets on such platforms are sold at inflated prices which essentially stops some fans being able to afford to watch their team.
Viagogo are the ninth company to enter such an agreement with City - hence why supporters did not go to their seats until the ninth minute of the match on Wednesday.
A statement issued by fan groups 1894, Trade Union Blues and MCFC Fans Foodbank Support read: "Viagogo is City's ninth ticket reseller partner. That means more safety & security problems. That means more away fans and non-City fans all over the ground. That means a total erosion of the atmosphere and identity of our club."
"We are the 1% and we are being treated with 1% importance. Us supporters have real power if only we realise that we have it," the statement continued.
"Fans are priced out, cannot get a season ticket and they [the club] are pushing on with Viagogo, the absolute worst of [third-party ticket sellers]. Become outnumbered in our own ground…or fight back."
Pep Guardiola's take on the protest
Speaking in a press conference on Tuesday, the City boss gave his thoughts on the supporters' protest.
"Football clubs belong to the people and if the people don’t agree with something… they can legitimately express concerns with the club," Guardiola said.
"And the club is open, listening to them, arriving in agreement so everybody can be satisfied.
"Imagine going to the stadium with no fans, it would make no sense. Our job would make no sense, close the door.
"Of course I have sympathy. They can express freely what they want. The club don’t take it [this issue] for granted."
Topics: Manchester City, Premier League, Leicester City
Luke Davies