Newcastle u-turns over membership ballot after backlash

Premier League club Newcastle United has adjusted the ballot process for members purchasing home match tickets at St. James' Park following a backlash from supporters.

The Newcastle United Supporters’ Trust (NUST) had called for the club to rethink the membership ballot following its announcement yesterday (August 1) that tickets would be randomly allocated regardless of price, with payment taken automatically. The NUST said the disparity between tickets ranging from £44 and £74 was a concern as some fans would struggle to afford seats at the upper level.

NUST said this was not something that was disclosed previously and fans were not aware of their inability to select the price of tickets when purchasing the new membership packages in late July.

The club — which will play in this season’s UEFA Champions League — said that after reviewing feedback from fans and supporter groups, members will now be able to select a specific ticket price category that best suits their needs, and payment will only be taken automatically if they are successful in the ballot for their chosen category.

Newcastle United chief executive Darren Eales said: “We are committed to ensuring match tickets are made available fairly so that fans can continue to support the team so magnificently home and away.

“While we have made positive changes in that regard following ticketing workshops with fans, we also appreciated the feedback we specifically received in response to our proposed home ticket ballot process for members.

“After reviewing that feedback, we have made an adjustment and members will be able to select the specific price point that best suits them when entering the ballot.

“Supporter engagement is hugely important to us and we will continue to seek fans’ views as we build towards sustainable success together.”

The membership ballot for Newcastle’s first Premier League game of the season against Aston Villa opened earlier today and closes at 10am on Friday, August 4.