SwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

Fans furious ahead of historic match: "Exploited"

After 41 years, Aston Villa is back in the top tier of European football. But ahead of the first home match in the Champions League, a conflict has erupted where supporters feel exploited by the club.

» Updated: October 08 2024

» Published: October 01 2024

Fans furious ahead of historic match: "Exploited"
Photo: Peter Klaunzer/AP/TT

Classic Aston Villa was the big sensation in the Premier League last season. Under the leadership of successful coach Unai Emery, the team finished fourth – which means playing in the Champions League this season.

The last time the club played in the tournament – which was then called the European Cup – was 1982–1983. After a flying start in the premiere, a 3–0 away win against Young Boys, the first home match is waiting on Wednesday, against German giant Bayern München.

But the match has become the subject of a larger discussion. Namely, what is reasonable for a football ticket to cost. For Villa supporters who want to see the match on site, it will be significantly more expensive than a league match.

"Get punished and exploited"

Adults without a season ticket will have to pay up to 97 pounds (approximately 1,313 Swedish kronor) while for season ticket holders it is slightly cheaper.

For those who pay 55 pounds (approximately 744 kronor) for a Premier League match, the ticket now costs 85, reports BBC.

The price increase has led to outrage. Aston Villa's supporter organization believes it is "extremely disappointing" that the club has chosen to raise prices ahead of the long-awaited comeback.

In a statement, the organization writes, according to The Guardian:

"Loyal Villa fans who have waited as long as 40 years to celebrate this significant season get punished and exploited."

Defending the price increase

Aston Villa defends its decision. Chris Heck, chairman of the club's business operations, tells BBC:

We recognize and understand the fans' great passion and their frustration around pricing. Achieving our sporting ambitions while following the rules for financial stability requires tough decisions.

The supporters, in any case, have a special match ahead of them. Bayern München is an opponent that has a special place in Aston Villa's history. It was Bayern that Villa defeated in the final of the European Cup 1981–1982 – the club's greatest achievement in history.

Aston Villa's other home matches in the Champions League this season are against Bologna, Juventus, and Celtic.

Tuesday: Salzburg–Brest, Stuttgart–Sparta Prague (both 18.45), Inter–Red Star, Dortmund–Celtic, Barcelona–Young Boys, Leverkusen–Milan, Arsenal–Paris SG, PSV Eindhoven–Sporting Lisbon, Slovan Bratislava–Manchester City (all 21.00).

Wednesday: Shakhtar Donetsk–Atalanta, Girona–Feyenoord (both 18.45), Liverpool–Bologna, Leipzig–Juventus, Benfica–Atlético Madrid, Dinamo Zagreb–Monaco, Lille–Real Madrid, Aston Villa–Bayern München, Sturm Graz–Club Brugge (all 21.00).

Tags

TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Denmark Shines in Nations League Win Over Portugal

Denmark Shines in Nations League Win Over Portugal

Mbappé Returns but France Stumbles in Nations League Quarterfinals

Mbappé Returns but France Stumbles in Nations League Quarterfinals

Oskarshamn Rallies to Overtime Victory Against Karlskoga Again

Oskarshamn Rallies to Overtime Victory Against Karlskoga Again

Luleå Triumphs 4-0 Over Växjö After Costly Penalty in Quarterfinals

Luleå Triumphs 4-0 Over Växjö After Costly Penalty in Quarterfinals

Investors Back $100M Global Women's Seven-a-Side Football Venture

Investors Back $100M Global Women's Seven-a-Side Football Venture

Visa Issues Sideline Swedish Shot Putter Axelina Johansson from World Championship

Visa Issues Sideline Swedish Shot Putter Axelina Johansson from World Championship

Putin Congratulates IOC's Coventry, Eyes Russia's Olympic Return

Putin Congratulates IOC's Coventry, Eyes Russia's Olympic Return

Tarjei Bø's Illness Threatens to End Career Without Final Race

Tarjei Bø's Illness Threatens to End Career Without Final Race

Japan Secures Spot as First Team in 2026 World Championship

Japan Secures Spot as First Team in 2026 World Championship

Paralympic Bronze Medalist Nicolina Pernheim Goodrich Faces Career Halt

Paralympic Bronze Medalist Nicolina Pernheim Goodrich Faces Career Halt

Kirsty Coventry Elected First Female IOC President, Emphasizes Communication

Kirsty Coventry Elected First Female IOC President, Emphasizes Communication

Robin Olsen Reflects on National Team Journey Ahead of World Championship

Robin Olsen Reflects on National Team Journey Ahead of World Championship

Boston Celtics Sold for Record $6.1 Billion to Investment Consortium

Boston Celtics Sold for Record $6.1 Billion to Investment Consortium

New Threats Target Damallsvenskan Players, Swedish Stars Abroad

New Threats Target Damallsvenskan Players, Swedish Stars Abroad

Sweden Clinches Playoff Spot in World Championship with Win Over China

Sweden Clinches Playoff Spot in World Championship with Win Over China

Zeneli Brothers Set for Emotional Clash as Sweden Faces Kosovo

Zeneli Brothers Set for Emotional Clash as Sweden Faces Kosovo

Lucas Bergvall Illness Puts Luxembourg Match Start in Doubt

Lucas Bergvall Illness Puts Luxembourg Match Start in Doubt

Eddie Jordan, Former F1 Team Owner, Passes Away at 76

Eddie Jordan, Former F1 Team Owner, Passes Away at 76

Leksand Restructures Team Amid Economic Challenges

Leksand Restructures Team Amid Economic Challenges

Experts Weigh In: Who Will Claim Hockey Gold in Sweden?

Experts Weigh In: Who Will Claim Hockey Gold in Sweden?

Michelle Coleman Retires from Swimming, Embraces New Beginnings

Michelle Coleman Retires from Swimming, Embraces New Beginnings

Filip Gustavsson Shines with Fifth Shutout as Minnesota Dominates Seattle

Filip Gustavsson Shines with Fifth Shutout as Minnesota Dominates Seattle

HV71 Dominates Modo with 5-0 Victory in SHL Playoffs

HV71 Dominates Modo with 5-0 Victory in SHL Playoffs

Rolfö Shines with Key Assist in Barcelona's 4-1 Victory Over Wolfsburg

Rolfö Shines with Key Assist in Barcelona's 4-1 Victory Over Wolfsburg

Alexander Isak's Future: Can Top Clubs Afford the Billion-Kronor Star?

Alexander Isak's Future: Can Top Clubs Afford the Billion-Kronor Star?

Maja Dahlqvist Shines with Second Place Finish in Tallinn Sprint

Maja Dahlqvist Shines with Second Place Finish in Tallinn Sprint

Imane Khelif Eyes Olympic Gold in LA Amid Trump's Controversial Remarks

Imane Khelif Eyes Olympic Gold in LA Amid Trump's Controversial Remarks

Alexander Isak's Historic Goal Ends Newcastle's 70-Year Title Drought

Alexander Isak's Historic Goal Ends Newcastle's 70-Year Title Drought

Sweden Misses Podium in Mogul Skiing World Championship Finals

Sweden Misses Podium in Mogul Skiing World Championship Finals

Ebba Andersson's Second Appeal Denied by Ski Federation

Ebba Andersson's Second Appeal Denied by Ski Federation

Norwegian Soccer Captain Speaks Out on Gaza Conflict Before Israel Match

Norwegian Soccer Captain Speaks Out on Gaza Conflict Before Israel Match

Chelsea Star: "Autism has benefited me"

Chelsea Star: "Autism has benefited me"

After the Success: Former U20 Captain Called Up

After the Success: Former U20 Captain Called Up

Came out in 2021 – still receiving death threats

Came out in 2021 – still receiving death threats

Manchester United plays rivalry match – in Stockholm

Manchester United plays rivalry match – in Stockholm

Åberg eliminated from Tiger Woods' league – fell in semi-finals

Åberg eliminated from Tiger Woods' league – fell in semi-finals

Billionaire supports cross-country skiing stars with "million amount"

Billionaire supports cross-country skiing stars with "million amount"

Östersund on the Brink of Withdrawal – Needs Million Amount

Östersund on the Brink of Withdrawal – Needs Million Amount

The Farewell of the Football Podcast Becomes a Documentary Series

The Farewell of the Football Podcast Becomes a Documentary Series

The Swede behind the dream period: "Shows great character"

The Swede behind the dream period: "Shows great character"