Ticket riots before the Champions League final in Istanbul

Manchester City and Inter fans were outraged by the ticket distribution criteria for the Champions League final in Istanbul.

Fans of both teams reacted to the decision after it was announced that they would only make up half the audience at the 75,000-seat Atatürk Olympic Stadium. Pep Guardiola’s team will face Simone Inzaghi’s team on June 10 and City fans are hoping to lift their coveted Champions League trophy.

However, most of his loyal fans will have to watch the grand finale on television. Because UEFA only delivered 19,926 tickets to the British. While the same number of tickets were reserved for Inter fans, only 39,852 of the 75,000 seats were allocated to supporters of both teams.

The other 35,148 seats will go to various corporate organizations and sponsors of the event.

Ataturk Olympic Stadium. Photo: DepoPhotos.

TICKET PRICES ARE ‘TOO MUCH’

Fans are also outraged by the ticket prices. UEFA has faced accusations that it left out “ordinary fans” with expensive tickets to the grand final. Ticket allocations for both clubs are divided into four price categories: £61, £156, £425 and £599.

RESPONSE FROM THE AUTHOR OF TIME

Henry Winter, football editor-in-chief of The Times, is among those critical of ticket allocation and price. The journalist wrote on Twitter: “These tickets sell out easily and others will be bought by UEFA draw. The cost is exorbitant, but the City fans will be strong there.”

However, fans were harsher in their response, with many venting their anger on social media.

Liverpool of England was proclaimed champion of the 2004-2005 season by beating AC Milan of Italy 6-5 on penalties in the Champions League final played at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul. Photo: DepoPhotos.

“ONE OF THE GREAT SPORTS SCANDALS”

One fan wrote in response: “This is one of the great sports scandals of our time. How can UEFA and FIFA continue to steal tickets to the final every year from loyal fans in the name of corporate sponsorship?

Another fan said: “Shocking and punishing prices. The organization is brimming with television revenue. There is no financial need to squeeze fans. Just greed.

Another suggested that fans and clubs should take steps to ensure fans are considered first and shared on social media: “Fans are underrated with these prices. When will the clubs/fans get together and say ‘enough is enough’? A disgrace! I feel sorry for the common fans.”