Manchester United are facing the
prospect of legal action from their own fans over the controversial
'automatic cup scheme' (ACS).
The scheme, which makes it compulsory for fans to buy tickets for
all cup games at Old Trafford, had previously been obligatory only
for new season-ticket holders.
For the first time this summer, it has been extended to the
remaining 25% of existing season-ticket holders who have not
previously signed up.
In a campaign such as that just ended, when United played 10 cup
games at home, it would add a minimum of £390 to the cost of the
most expensive season ticket next season, even if the supporter was
a 'One United' member.
Now the Manchester United Supporters' Trust (MUST) are taking up
the argument.
MUST have already engaged a leading legal firm to act on their
behalf and should their demand for United to withdraw the
compulsory ACS for existing season-ticket holders not be met, they
intend to pursue the matter through the courts.
"As a first step, our lawyers will be writing to the club asking
for clarification because of the confused signals coming out of the
club over this issue," said a MUST statement.
"If the club confirms to us through our lawyers that the ACS is now
compulsory for all season-ticket holders, we will be exploring with
them the possibility of season-ticket holders, who have been
disadvantaged in this way, taking legal action individually or as a
class."
