Supporters & experts slam Aston Villa Champions League decision with £55 Newcastle United comparison

Villa’s first Champions League or European Cup campaign in 41 years will see them face Bayern Munich, Bologna, Juventus and Celtic at Villa Park in the new-look group stage. The club have now released ticket details for the upcoming European matches, receiving backlash from supporters.

Adult tickets for the matches are priced from £85 to £97 for non-season ticket holders with season ticket holder prices ranging from £70 to £82.

Several supporters took to social media to slam the ‘disgraceful’ pricing while fan posted: “Seems very expensive but will it stop me? Of course not.” Newcastle United Supporters Trust also got involved by commenting on Villa’s pricing structure: “Once again, fans are being taken for a ride with pricing. This time it’s Aston Villa’s pricing for the Champions League! @WeAreTheFSA.”

The Magpies’ Champions League prices were scrutinised last season after season ticket holders had to opt-in to a Champions League package in which tickets were priced at £55 for adults and £30 for concessions. Those prices now look comparitively cheap compared to those on offer at Villa Park this season.

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire criticised Villa’s pricing on social media as he tweeted: “A ticket to see the European Cup Final in 1982 between Bayern Munich and Aston Villa cost 20 Guilders (£4.28). Inflation since then (CPI) would take that to £14.78 today. “Villa are charging £85-97 for non STH and £70-£82 for adult STH for a group game.”

He ironically added: “The people’s game.”