Manchester City fans showed their anger at rising season ticket prices with a banner aimed at the club during their title showdown with Arsenal.
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 5% 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.
Sunday's clash with title rivals Arsenal was the first home game since the release of the new prices and fans took the opportunity to show how disgruntled they are at the increased ticket cost.
A banner was unveiled amongst the Etihad crowd that criticised the move and accused the club of not appreciating the fans.
The banner read; 'Record profits but record prices. Stop exploiting our loyalty'
City have argued the hike in price is down to rising operational costs, inflation, and them following the example set by other Premier League clubs.
However, several fan groups have voiced their anger because thanks to the lack of consultation over the prices, the short window for renewal and changes to certain tickets such as Silver to Flexi Gold Membership.
Many believe it is a deliberate attempt to price fans out of their seats and reduce the number of season tickets, with the club able to sell tickets on a game-by-game basis instead.
Before their huge clash with the Gunners, manager Pep Guardiola admitted he understood the fans frustration, but urged the supporters to stick with them as they get set for the most cruical part of the season.
'Absolutely (I understand),' Guardiola said. 'The people will support us unconditionally. The team is the team, not involved, respect all opinions. I know it is a sensitive issue but on Sunday they will be with us.
'Now with the last games of the Premier League at home with our people I'm pretty sure they will give us what we need to perform to our best. Right now every game is so important.'
Following the release of the prices, the 1894 Group, has called for the club to reconsider and look to freeze the current prices for season tickets.
malablata
0
This is how we leave confusion in club after exposing them......Any team now can beat Man City easily from the lessons we had taught them......4 points, 2 clean sheets.
Kesadlor
3
115 reasons to increase prices 🤣🤣🤣
Everblessed10
5
Imagine paying that much money for tickets only to be thrown out of the EPL next season 😳
pozacde
0
Stupid talk let your wife and your family be with you in the stands
pozacde
0
You are very stupid tell the management to keep the old ticket amount they were paying
Chris_hj
2
Useless team this year
TiyanjaneChalamwendo
2
it's very expensive to maintain the stadium...
yonailmpr
2
It’s very clear city can’t win big matches anymore instead they will dram fuck city.
Citizens721
2
Shame on club. Club are getting getting greedy day by day.
Spizaetus
4
With current price, its always empty, why they raise the price again? Maybe its not empty enough to deserve the name Emptyhad stadium?
viecinopr
2
Disloyal & Shameless club greed directly targets the very ppl who keep the club making record profits. Further proof that’s it never enough money to satisfy their egos or greed. Shameless