AC Milan has publicly backed its supporters who are boycotting Sunday night's match at Udinese over what fans consider excessive away ticket prices. The home club is charging €65 ($73), more than double the €30 ($34) that traveling supporters pay on average at the Bluenergy Stadium.
In a lengthy statement on Wednesday, Milan said it "understand[s] [the fans'] frustration and fully support[s] their position," noting that away trips already come with many additional costs. The club argued that supporters should be treated the same regardless of which team they follow.
"The global appeal of Italian football depends heavily on the loyalty and passion of supporters of clubs like AC Milan," the club said. "Charging those same fans excessive prices for away games is not only unfair but undermines the unity of the league at a time when Italian football needs to come together to compete against the Premier League and other European leagues." Milan added that such practices deepen divisions and create unhealthy antagonism between big and small teams in Serie A.
Milan said it would push for a league-wide cap on excessive away ticket prices. In the meantime, it could retaliate against clubs it believes are overcharging its fans. "We are also prepared to introduce a policy of reciprocity," the club said, meaning clubs charging Milan supporters above average prices should expect their own fans to face higher prices when visiting San Siro, subject to applicable regulations. Any additional proceeds would be donated to Fondazione Milan to support charitable initiatives benefiting local communities.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing