Why Etihad Stadium is empty for Man City vs Leicester as supporters spot lack of celebration for Grealish goal

During Manchester City’s Premier League match against Leicester City at the Etihad Stadium, many fans were left puzzled by the noticeable emptiness of the stands, especially in the early stages of the game. When Jack Grealish scored in the second minute to give City an early lead, there were hardly any supporters visible to witness the goal. This led to a flurry of reactions on social media, with many questioning why the stadium appeared so empty. Some fans joked about the “Emptihad” while others were genuinely curious, asking why there were so many vacant seats in a stadium that is usually packed for big games. A few even compared the crowd size to that of lower-league teams, saying they had seen bigger crowds at clubs like MK Dons.

However, the reason for the emptiness was soon clarified. Fans took to social media to explain that the empty seats were part of a protest against the club’s recent partnership with the ticketing platform Viagogo. This deal, announced on March 27, had sparked widespread dissatisfaction among City supporters. Viagogo is a third-party ticket seller known for inflating ticket prices, which has led to concerns that many fans can no longer afford to watch their team. The deal with Viagogo is the ninth such partnership for Manchester City, and fans feared it would lead to more problems. They argued that inflated ticket prices could prevent loyal supporters from attending matches, while also allowing non-City fans or away fans to fill the stands. This, they claimed, would erode the atmosphere and identity of the club, something that Manchester City fans take great pride in.

The protest itself took the form of supporters not taking their seats until the ninth minute of the match against Leicester. This gesture was meant to symbolize their discontent with the club’s decision to continue working with Viagogo, a company they believe is harmful to the fanbase. In a statement issued by fan groups such as 1894, Trade Union Blues, and MCFC Fans Foodbank Support, they expressed their frustration with the way the club had been treating its most loyal supporters. The statement emphasized that many fans had been priced out of attending matches and were finding it difficult to get season tickets due to the high costs. They accused the club of prioritizing profit over the needs of its supporters and argued that the introduction of Viagogo would further alienate them.

Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, was asked about the protest in a press conference ahead of the game. Guardiola expressed sympathy for the supporters, acknowledging that football clubs belong to the fans and that they should be allowed to voice their concerns. He noted that the club had an open-door policy and was willing to listen to its supporters in order to reach a solution that would satisfy everyone. Guardiola emphasized that football wouldn’t make sense without fans, and he understood why they were upset. He also made it clear that the club was taking the issue seriously and would not take the fans’ concerns for granted.

The protest quickly gained attention, and the lack of celebration for Grealish’s goal in the early stages of the match was seen by many as a sign of discontent. Normally, the Etihad would erupt with excitement after such a quick goal, but this time, the atmosphere was subdued due to the protest. The fans’ decision to delay their entry into the stadium sent a strong message to the club about their displeasure with the ticketing situation. While Manchester City is one of the most successful clubs in Europe, the ongoing issue with ticket pricing and the relationship with Viagogo has created a divide between the club and some of its most passionate supporters.

In the days following the match, there was widespread discussion about the protest, with many fans voicing their opinions on social media. Some sympathized with the protesters and agreed that ticket prices were becoming a barrier for many supporters. Others felt that the protest was a necessary way to bring attention to the issue, arguing that the club needed to prioritize its loyal fans over commercial partnerships. Meanwhile, a small number of fans expressed disappointment with the protest, claiming that it affected the team’s atmosphere and support, particularly in a high-stakes match like the one against Leicester.

Despite the protest, Manchester City’s form remained strong on the pitch, with the team going on to win the match 3-0. Grealish’s early goal was followed by additional goals from other players, ensuring that City maintained their place at the top of the Premier League. However, the empty seats and lack of atmosphere in the early minutes of the game were a stark reminder of the tension between the club’s commercial interests and the feelings of its supporters.

For Manchester City, the situation highlights the ongoing debate over the balance between commercial success and fan engagement. The club’s success on the field is undeniable, but as the protest showed, some supporters are becoming increasingly frustrated with the way the club is handling its relationship with its fans. The Viagogo partnership has become a focal point for these concerns, and many believe that it represents a shift away from the values that made Manchester City a beloved club in the first place. Fans are worried that, in the pursuit of profit, the club is losing touch with the very supporters who helped build its success.

Ultimately, the protest at the Etihad Stadium is a reflection of the broader issue of ticket pricing and accessibility in modern football. As the sport becomes more commercialized, many fans feel that they are being priced out of attending matches, and the situation at Manchester City is just one example of this trend. While the club has acknowledged the concerns of its supporters, it remains to be seen whether any real changes will be made in response to the protest. For now, the tension between the club and its fans continues to simmer, and it remains to be seen how this issue will evolve in the coming months.