Arsenal fans groups have called for comprehensive changes to the club’s ticketing structure in a joint statement calling on owner Stan Kroenke to reinvigorate the club.
Noting the Emirates Stadium club is about to play in the Europa League for the third successive year, the groups said fans have “never felt more marginalised”.
As well as calling for investment in players and new appointments at boardroom level to help Arsenal navigate its way back to the top of the Premier League, the groups want to see changes in ticketing policy to help the Gunners fill the swathes of empty seats so often noticeable at Emirates Stadium.
They would also like the club to put its weight behind safe standing in a bid to improve the atmosphere at the 60,260-capacity stadium.
“On a matchday the Emirates Stadium can be a soulless place,” the statement reads.
“The atmosphere is poor and there are thousands of empty seats blighting almost every game.
“If Arsenal really cared they would make sure seats weren’t left empty by investing in an improved ticketing system and actively supporting initiatives like safe standing.
“The club uses the strapline ‘Always ahead of the game’. It would be good to see action to demonstrate this.”
It is understood that many Arsenal fans find it hard to access tickets via official channels unless they are members of the club. Many season ticket holders have been choosing not to attend games in recent seasons citing poor football and disappointing results.
However, Arsenal officially had the second highest average attendance in 2018/19 with 59,899. Only Manchester United, with 74,498 had a higher figure.
The joint statement has the support of 16 fans groups such as the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust, the Black Scarf Movement (BSM) and REDaction.
Image: Wonker (Flickr)
Share this