Angers set pricing plan to reduce Nantes fans at Raymond-Kopa | OneFootball

Angers have introduced a targeted ticket pricing plan for Friday’s Ligue 1 meeting with Nantes, kick-off 20:45, on matchday 16, to curb visiting numbers at Raymond-Kopa. According to L'Équipe, the system prioritises locals and limits general sale.

The move follows an uncomfortable 1-1 draw on 22 September 2024, when away chants dominated and home players were booed during the warm-up. Johann Lepenant’s goal for Nantes sparked a roar and yellow shirts across the ground.

Using postcode data, the club estimates 6,000 to 7,000 fans from Loire-Atlantique’s 44 department attended, from a 16,000 crowd. Players disliked the imbalance, which has tended to recur at major fixtures.

Under the plan, season-ticket holders can buy unlimited seats at 11 euros. Regulars who have already attended three games this season pay 16 euros and can also purchase freely, leaving fewer general sale seats.

Early general sale tickets were 21 euros and went quickly. A visiting fan now faces 31 euros behind the goal or 56 euros in the side stands. The prices are deliberately deterrent and broadly accepted by home fans keen to avoid an away-day feel.

The club has already used the approach against Rennes and Lens, bringing two thirds fewer travelling Lens fans than last season, even as Lens are top. It should be repeated for OM, PSG and possibly Lyon.

A downside could be fewer sell-outs, though the club expects to break even. Average attendance is 11,900, down from 13,000 last season, with close to 15,000 expected for Nantes. Given Nantes’ troubled spell, there will be less yellow on Friday.

Source: L'Équipe