‘An absolute disgrace’ as long-serving Sunderland fans priced out and denied seat moves | OneFootball

Long-serving Sunderland season ticket holders say they are being priced out of corporate hospitality and blocked from returning to general admission.

According to Sunderland Echo, Steven Poppleton and Gary Crosby raised their concerns publicly before contacting the newspaper.

Poppleton says he was denied a move from 76 Yards back to standard seating, having upgraded to help his father with mobility issues. After his father died in February, he expected to switch but later learned there would be no immediate availability because corporate and general admission are handled separately.

His family had absorbed a rise from £850 to about £2,300 for the upgrade.

Crosby, a season-ticket holder for 38 years, moved into corporate during League One. He says the package has climbed from £2,400 to £5,300 for next season and he has spent nearly £13,000, leaving him unable to renew.

He asked to revert to a normal seat but was told to join a waiting list that had been open three weeks with thousands on it. After an executive review he was kept on the list, and says he would be charged 20 per cent more than renewals.

He argues loyalty has not been recognised, adding that renewals received discounts while waiting-list buyers pay full price with no instalments and that the club never made clear a return from corporate could be blocked.

The club declined to comment.

Source: Sunderland Echo