Norwich will meet with fan group representatives to tackle issues raised by a new membership scheme which has been labelled as a “tax on loyalty”. The Canaries are set to open the 2019-20 Premier League season away at European champions Liverpool on August 9, the game broadcast live. Following promotion back to the top flight, the Norfolk club recently announced a new pricing structure for home match tickets.
A cap of 30 was set for general admission, but Norwich also revamped the membership scheme to address the expected demand, especially for away games. The tiered system, which costs between 35 and 50 for staggered access to sales windows for home and away fixtures sold separately, has come in for criticism from disgruntled Canaries supporters and season ticket holders.
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The strong bond between fans and Daniel Farke’s young squad was cited as key to last season’s Championship title success. A lengthy joint statement on behalf of supporter groups Along Come Norwich, Barclay End Norwich, Canaries Trust, Forces2Canaries and Proud Canaries called on the club to rethink the new policy.
“Many have approached us to say that they see this as a tax on their loyalty, a ransom to be paid to keep their rightful place at the top of the allocation scheme, and we agree that this scheme has been unfair in wiping people’s loyally attained points overnight,” the statement read.
“The feeling is that this scheme has damaged the bond between the club and the fanbase.” The Football Supporters’ Association vice-chair Tom Greatrex also said the new away scheme “threatens to overshadow the work Norwich City have done in capping matchday ticket prices for home fans at Carrow Road” and called for more dialogue.
On Thursday afternoon, Norwich responded with a brief statement, confirming talks would take place to try to tackle the concerns. “Norwich City Football Club has acknowledged the joint letter from supporter groups surrounding the new membership scheme,” a statement on www.canaries.co.uk read. “The club will communicate with supporters following a meeting with fan group representatives later next week to discuss the matters raised.”
