West Ham United’s ticketing arrangements for the forthcoming Championship clash with Bristol City have caused controversy, but I have to say I’m firmly on the Hammers’ side with this one. If there’s an element of tit for tat involved, I don’t have a problem with it at all.
Bristol City supporters might not particularly like the situation, but there is some history between the two clubs when it comes to ticket allocations. During the FA Cup meeting in January 2024, Bristol City took their full allocation of around 9,000 tickets at the London Stadium, resulting in thousands of West Ham season-ticket holders having to move from their usual seats.
That caused considerable frustration at the time, with the West Ham United Supporters’ Trust seeking clarification from the club over the arrangements. So if the current situation feels like a bit of payback, I can certainly understand why.
West Ham Fans Are Being Treated Like Absolute Mugs
One thing West Ham’s relegation to the Championship has provided is a real reality check when it comes to the treatment of travelling supporters.
In the Premier League, there was at least some collective understanding that away supporters shouldn’t be completely fleeced. The Football Supporters’ Federation’s original Twenty’s Plenty campaign eventually helped bring about the £30 away-ticket cap, which has remained in place since 2016.
It wasn’t perfect, and £30 was still more than supporters had originally campaigned for, but at least there was a limit.
That protection doesn’t exist across the Championship, and we’re now seeing the difference.
Take West Ham’s trip to Birmingham City in December, for example. According to the club’s official ticket information, adult supporters will be charged £37.50 for the privilege of watching the Hammers at St Andrew’s.
And it definitely feels like Championship clubs are treating us like absolute mugs.
When West Ham roll into town, we’re seen as a cash cow. Clubs know we’re going to bring a substantial travelling support, and it increasingly feels as though they’re happy to make the most of it.
Of course, I understand that Championship clubs have their own financial pressures, but that doesn’t make it any easier for supporters who are already spending a fortune travelling around the country.
A Little Bit Of Tit For Tat Doesn’t Bother Me
Which brings me back to Bristol City.
I don’t have a problem with West Ham looking after our own fans, even if that means upsetting a few visiting supporters along the way.
Perhaps there’s a little bit of pettiness involved, but realistically, I don’t mind that either.
We’re West Ham, and the club should be looking after our fans. That ought to be the priority, particularly when supporters have been asked to put up with so much since dropping into the Championship.
And any Bristol City fans who don’t like it probably should look at their own club’s conduct when we played them in the FA Cup.
I don’t particularly want to see football clubs getting into an endless argument over ticket allocations, and ultimately I’d prefer supporters everywhere to be treated fairly.
But when it comes to this particular situation, I’m not going to criticise the West Ham hierarchy for giving a bit back.
Sometimes tit for tat is exactly what it looks like, and on this occasion, I’m perfectly happy with it.