Wembley spokesperson reacts to Sunderland ticket scandal v Sheffield United
Sunderland are preparing to take on Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final on Saturday, but a problem has already emerged.
Regis Le Bris has led the Black Cats to Wembley, with a dramatic victory over Coventry City in the semi-final second leg securing their spot.
Sunderland will face a difficult test against the Blades, but the Mackems will be out in numbers to support their side, with the main allocation of tickets selling out very quickly.
Fans willing to pay more for VIP tickets have now been treated harshly, with prices controversially different to what Sheffield United fans will be charged.
Sunderland fan pricing for play-off final addressed
Sunderland fans have been left outraged as they have been charged significantly more for resale VIP tickets at Wembley than Sheffield United supporters.
Mike Keegan has reported in the print edition of the Daily Mail (19 May, page 59), that FA-Licenced ticket reselling site Club Sports and Events were charging £1299 for an all-inclusive VIP ticket for Sunderland fans, but just £649 for Sheffield United.
A lower version, which includes special seating inside the stadium, is available at £799 for Sunderland fans, while Sheffield United’s equivalent costs just £349.
| Section | Tickets |
| Sunderland | 35,531 |
| Sheffield United | 35,531 |
| Other | 18,938 |
With Sunderland fans made to pay almost double, the blame has been placed at the feet of different parties, and a Wembley spokesperson has now tried to absolve themselves of any blame.
“A Wembley spokesperson said they did not set the prices and do not have approval rights over pricing models,” Keegan revealed.
“They receive a fixed fee from the agency.”
Fans disrespected again at Wembley
Yet again, fans have been disregarded for a showpiece game at Wembley, and Sunderland supporters have every right to be angry.
Sunderland and Sheffield United have been given an allocation of 35,531 tickets at Wembley each, with over 10,000 somehow set to be allocated to sponsors and corporate tickets, which is a joke.
This is not an uncommon occurrence at Wembley, and fans are often disrespected when it comes to logistics for huge games.
There will be thousands of Sunderland fans desperate for a ticket, who will not be able to get one through official means, and may end up paying well over face value for a VIP ticket.
There were incredible scenes at the Stadium of Light after Dan Ballard scored the winner against Coventry, but some fans who were at the game may find themselves unable to go to the Wembley final.
Both sides should be charged the same price for tickets, and the allocations for fans should be higher to reflect the demand for the game, and this is another example of fans being treated poorly at Wembley.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time.