Empty seats at Craven Cottage: Prices put cup magic in peril

If you were watching Fulham take on Newcastle United in the FA Cup fifth round this weekend you may have spotted swathes of empty seats in the home ends – and it wasn’t apathy keeping the regulars away.

Despite the pull of a big cup tie, those empty seats were the result of the latest boycott from Fulham fans – search #AffordableFulham on Twitter/X for more – as the issue of ticket pricing at Craven Cottage came to a head.

As we reported earlier this season, Fulham are home to some of the worst matchday and season ticket pricing – prompting fans to lobby the club directly on the issue. When those warnings went unheard, ticket price protests were launched before their Premier League game against Manchester United back in November.

And tickets for this weekend’s game in the cup started at £40 for adults, with no sale window or reservation options for season ticket holders. The club’s decision caused Fulham fans to call for boycotts on social media and now Fulham supporter groups want to hear from fans who chose to stay away.

Fulham Supporters’ Trust said: “We need to make sure the club ownership recognises the value of our loyal fans and communities as we fight for #AffordableFulham. To all angry about ticket arrangements and prices: join the trust so our collective voice is stronger.”

ℹ️ If you are choosing to not attend today’s game versus Newcastle over your concerns about #AffordableFulham, please take five minutes to email us at [email protected] with your reasons so we can put your arguments to the Club during our next meeting. [JK]

— Fulham Supporters’ Trust (@FulhamSuppTrust) January 27, 2024

Fulham Lillies have also backed the #AffordableFulham campaign and are calling for testimony from the weekend’s boycotting fans.

The travelling Newcastle United supporters, who filled the Putney End at Craven Cottage, expressed their support for Fulham fans taking a stand against the club’s ticket prices.

Newcastle United Supporters’ Trust said: “Whilst we wish that empty seats tonight could’ve been filled by as many NUFC fans as possible we fully support the decision by Fulham supporters to boycott this fixture due to the ridiculous cost of attending football in 2024.”

“£40 for a Saturday night game on TV is crazy and takes advantage of supporters,” said Newcastle United Supporters Club.

Empty seats at #FULNEW because #FFC fans are boycotting in protest at being charged £40 for an #FACup tie live on ITV4 and also not able to book their season ticket seats. One protester says club’s “approach fleeces loyal fans and undermines the wonderful work of Marco Silva”.

— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) January 27, 2024