‘My mam cried, broken-hearted’: elderly Sunderland fans decry ticket treatment and communication | OneFootball

Elderly Sunderland supporters have detailed lost seats, steep price rises and poor communication, intensifying scrutiny of the club’s ticketing policy.

Sunderland Echo reports complaints have spanned two seasons, with Red and White Army criticising limited engagement and a refusal to pause renewal deadlines during widespread issues.

Pat Watt, 89, and daughter Alison Berry, 67, say their seats were resold despite a direct debit set up on the fourth of April. They learned on 14 April, even though payments are usually taken in May, and say the bank held no mandate.

Replacement seats were found but described as unsuitable given Mrs Watt’s significant mobility issues. They were first placed at the front in the weather, then split, with Mrs Watt moved seven rows from her carer.

Berry says the original seats looked unused all season, queries a resale within 10 days, and cites a £20 move fee plus about £200 extra per year. She also reports unanswered emails and ticket office barriers.

Supporter Karen Jacques says her mam, Sylvia Pickard, 90, moved to the Black Cats Bar for comfort but, after the shift to 76 Yards, cannot return to general admission. Prices rose from £790 to about £2,300, with only a waiting list offered.

They add Sunderland’s over-85s policy offers a free season ticket after three years, but were told it does not cover corporate seats, leaving Ms Pickard paying £2,000-plus. Fresh accounts continue to emerge across the stadium. The club has been approached for comment.

Source: Sunderland Echo