Access denied: Google bans Viagogo’s ticket adverts

GOOGLE has suspended Viagogo, the embattled ticket resale company, as an advertiser amid mounting controversy over illegal touting on its website.

Google’s suspension yesterday, which was praised by campaigners, comes ahead of planned legal action from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). It claimed Viagogo has not done enough to change its business practices and safeguard consumers.

A Google spokesman said: “When people use our platform for help in purchasing tickets, we want to make sure that they have an experience they can trust. This is why we have strict policies and take necessary action when we find an advertiser in breach.”

Google’s move cuts off a major stream of revenue for Viagogo, which dominates the paid-for results for concerts and plays.

This suspension will not affect the company’s regular search results.

A November court ruling forced Geneva-based Viagogo to display warnings that tickets bought on the site may not automatically grant entry to venues and was ordered to make changes to comply with consumer law.

However, MPS and campaigners have claimed that fans have continued to fork out hundreds of pounds over and above the standard ticket prices despite the CMA order.

Sharon Hodgson MP, chairman of the all-party parliamentary group on ticket abuse, said: “For years, I have heard from fans who were led to believe Viagogo was a trusted and official

‘For years, I have heard from fans who were led to believe Viagogo was a trusted and official resale website’

resale website because it appeared at the top of a Google search. I’m pleased that this will no longer occur.”

A Viagogo spokesman said the company was “extremely surprised” to hear about Google’s concerns.

“We are confident that there has been no breach of Google’s policies and look forward to working with them to resolve this as quickly as possible.”