Crystal Palace have been accused by supporters of leaving a ‘bitter taste’ by scrapping long-standing discounted tickets for armed forces and staff.
The discount has been removed from season tickets ahead of the 2024-25 season by the club.
Police officers, nurses and soldiers will be among those to see their season tickets increase by as much as £300, as reported by the Mirror.
Crystal Palace, who reported club record revenues of £160m in their last accounts, will reportedly earn an additional £25,000 next season by scrapping the discounted tickets.
The club’s ticket office has confirmed the discounted tickets will not be reinstated, stressing the decision had been highlighted to supporters last season.
Crystal Palace have been slammed for removing discounts for armed forces and NHS staff
Crystal Palace will reportedly earn £25,000 by removing the discounted tickets for supporters
‘I understand that the removal of the discount may come as disappointing news, especially considering the support and loyalty you have shown to the club over the years,’ an email to a supporter read.
‘Please know that this decision was not made lightly, and we value the contributions of our military personnel.
‘I would like to clarify that when season ticket renewals went on sale last season, we informed supporters in person or over the phone that the discount would no longer be applicable for the 24/25 season. I have since spoken to our box office and the discount will not be reinstated.
‘We recognise that changes like these can be unsettling, and we apologise if there was any confusion or inconvenience caused.’
One supporter, Danny Hannigan, told the Mirror the club’s relationship with supporters has ‘moved backwards’.
‘I’m seriously considering not renewing,’ he said.
‘It’s not the money, it’s the way it’s been handled. I do a 200-mile round trip to the ground, a whole day, but this has left a bitter taste.
‘They don’t care about fans anymore. Everything they do is to get more money from fans. Nothing is coming back. In the Championship it felt like a family club, now they do what they want.’
Crystal Palace supporters have protested against the club’s ownership in recent months
Manchester City fans hold up a banner in frustration at the price hike for next seasons tickets
Crystal Palace supporters had protested against the club’s owners as recently as February, with banners displayed in the crowd during a home match against Chelsea.
Fans had also displayed banners reading ‘Wasted potential on and off the pitch, weak decisions, taking us backwards’ during a defeat against Arsenal in January.
Several Premier League clubs have recently faced protests from supporters amid a hike in ticket prices.
Man City fans accused the Premier League champions of exploiting loyalty as they raised a banner ahead of their 0-0 draw with Arsenal on Sunday.
City emailed fans last week informing them of their individual price that they would have to pay for season tickets next year, with supporters asked to pay on average a per cent hike in price for their seat.
The rise in cost has enraged supporters groups and they have accused the club of pricing them out – especially after they recently posted record revenues of £712 million.
Tottenham supporters also turned their back on their match with Luton on Saturday in the 65th minute in support of the ‘Save Our Seniors’ group.
Spurs confirmed last month that concessions for OAPs would only apply to matchday tickets from the 2025-26 campaign, ‘reluctantly’ removing senior season ticket discounts for sustainability reasons.
Tottenham supporters turned their back in a protest during the 65th minute against Luton
The protest was staged in response to the club removing senior season ticket discounts
The north London outfit also announced that there would be a six per cent hike on season tickets from 2024-25, prompting fans to accuse the club of ‘theft’ on social media amid the current cost of living crisis.
Tottenham’s move followed a similar decision by their North London rivals Arsenal, while Manchester United, Brentford and Burnley have each announced ticket price increases.
Chelsea’s Supporters Trust launched a scathing attack on the club’s board last month, warning sentiment was approaching ‘irreversible toxicity’ amid rumours the price of season tickets is set to be hiked this summer.
The club’s Fan Advisory Board responded by stressing they have been involved in direct dialogue with the owners over their ticketing plans.
