Man City say £60 PSG ticket prices are ‘fair’

Manchester City have dismissed criticism of ticket prices for their upcoming Champions League fixture against Paris St Germain.

Fans of the Blues have condemned the cost of tickets for the quarter-final clash, which range from £45 to £60 for regular adult admission.

It is the first time Manchester City have progressed to the last eight of the Champions League, with the second leg taking place at the Etihad Stadium on April 12.

The cost of attending previous games in this season’s competition has ranged from £20 to £40, but City have defended the increase in a club statement:

“Pricing for each match is reviewed on an individual basis, based on factors such as the opposition and stage of competition.

“As this match is the quarter-final of Europe's biggest cup competition and the first time the club has progressed to this stage, we believe the ticket prices are a fair reflection of the profile of the game.”

Kevin Parker, general secretary of the Manchester City Supporters Club, is surprised by the high cost and feels it could have a negative effect on attendance.

“You would expect this game to come with a premium, but I think the premium they have added is just a jump too much.

“Fans can't keep on paying those sorts of prices. If we want to fill the stadium for the game against PSG, these are not the kind of prices to do that.”

The debate on high ticket prices has featured heavily throughout the season, pitting club bosses against supporters.

A new £5.136bn TV deal for the Premier League has prompted fans to question the validity of increasing admission costs. Liverpool fans recently staged a walkout involving 10,000 fans leaving during a match, prompting owners to freeze ticket prices. Earlier this month, all 20 Premier League clubs agreed to cap away ticket prices at £30 for the coming season.

Kevin Parker believes that “the mood of clubs has started to soften on ticket prices” but in this case, it seems the club will stand firm.

• Localsport