Aston Villa release statement over Bayern Munich tickets
Villa have sold out their general admission tickets for the Champions League tie with Bayern Munich despite backlash over ticket prices.
Supporters reacted with fury last week when prices were announced, which will see adult season ticket holders charged between £70 and £79 per match, while non-season ticket holders will have to pay between £75 and £94 for a single match.
The minimum price for pensioners and under-21s sits at £65, more than the most expensive adult ticket for a Champions League game at Liverpool and more than the £55 Newcastle charged last season.
However, junior prices are fixed at £20 for all zones except zone one.
Villa were drawn home ties against Bayern Munich, Juventus, Bologna and Celtic in the group stage and fans were furious with the prices, however they have now sold out for the clash against the German giants.
In a statement released by Villa, president of business operations Chris Heck said: “We want to thank all our season ticket holders who have recently exercised their right to buy tickets for our first Champions League game vs Bayern Munich and apologise to all those on the season ticket waiting list and to those general fans who were unable to secure seats for this game.
“We recognise and understand the depth of passion felt amongst fans and their recent frustration around ticket pricing.
“Achieving our sporting ambitions while complying with financial stability regulations requires difficult decisions.
“Financial fair play rules prohibit owners from covering shortfalls to finance this ambition, so we need to generate as much revenue as possible through sponsorships, merchandise, and ticket sales to ensure that we can keep the club where it rightfully belongs – competing (and winning) at the top of English and European football.
“Additionally, we want to thank our fans for their patience and for their loyal support whilst we do out utmost to grow the club as a business, and ensure we are all doing our part to support our players on the pitch both home and away.
“Our priority will always be to match our collective ambition while ensuring that we are able to increase stadium capacity each season and provide the best matchday experience for all our fans.
“We are committed to ensuring the club’s enduring long-term success both on and off the field.”