City fans being urged not to pay ‘loyalty tax’

LEICESTER City’s three leading supporters groups have joined forces to urge season ticket holders to avoid paying £25 for the physical cards while they are in dispute with the club, writes Jordan Blackwell.

The Foxes Trust, Union FS and the LCFC Official Supporters Club sat down with club representatives to discuss the controversial charge on Wednesday.

The club, in an attempt to encourage fans to take up mobile ticketing, are asking for £25 for season ticket holders who wish to receive a physical card on top of the five per cent price increase.

It’s a decision that has generated anger among supporters.

The Foxes Trust previously said the price was “unjustifiable”, especially with glitches around the system, and argued supporters should be incentivised to take up mobile ticketing, rather than punished for wanting a physical card.

Union FS held up a banner reading “No to loyalty tax” during City’s 5-0 win over Southampton.

Season ticket renewals began yesterday morning, but following an unproductive meeting in which the supporters’ groups said they were “not satisfied” with the club’s explanation over the charge, they are urging fans not to opt in while they argue for a reversal of the decision.

In any case, supporters have until Wednesday, June 5 to request a physical card.

In a joint statement on Thursday night, the supporters’ groups said: “We as fan groups are not satisfied with the club’s explanation for the new charge on retaining physical season tickets.

“We call on LCFC to act on our concerns as a matter of urgency and have requested a reversal of their decision.”