Here is the standard shite they are sending out to complainants. They didn't even bother to get all the text in the same sized font.
Thank you for your email. We appreciate you taking the time to share your concerns.
We value all of our season ticket holders and the commitment they show in supporting the team. We also value the dedication of our members, many of whom are on the waiting list for a season ticket and would purchase one if available. Many of these supporters buy match tickets throughout the season, often spending more overall than the cost of a season ticket. We see them as no less valuable, and as this is the continuation of our journey in this season’s FA Cup, we aimed to fairly recognise non-season ticket holders who have attended all FA Cup matches so far, by giving them an opportunity to purchase tickets for this away fixture.
For the Preston match, we prioritised members who attended all three FA Cup fixtures this season over season ticket holders who had not. This approach was taken to recognise and reward those who supported the team throughout the competition, including the earlier rounds.
As outlined in our ticketing details for all FA Cup matches at Villa Park this season:
"Attendance at this fixture may be included in any future sales criteria required for further FA Cup matches."
As a result, the best way to maximise the chance of securing a ticket in the latter stages of the competition was to attend all three matches in previous rounds.
Regarding season ticket holder benefits, those who attended all three FA Cup matches are prioritised over members with the same booking history. They qualify in an earlier window, giving them a greater opportunity to secure a ticket for the Preston match.
We value all of our season ticket holders and the dedication they’ve continued to show throughout this season and previous seasons. We also value the dedication of our members and aim to fairly recognise non-season ticket holders who consistently attended FA Cup matches within the available allocation.
While we understand your personal disappointment, we have to ensure fairness to all supporters, not just our season ticket holders. Please note that our ticketing policies are continuously reviewed to ensure fairness for all supporters.
Thank you for your feedback.
Kind regards,
They make a point of saying that many members pay more over a season than STHs. But then they don’t take those fans into account by grouping them in the same window as members who only bought tickets for the three cheapest games of the season, including one where part of the attraction was a £1.50 pie!
I expect there would have been far less of an outcry if that window would have been for members who attended all home league and FA Cup games. I’d have had no complaint if they even went together in the same window as us STHs who went to all 3 FAC games, that to me would be fair.
And if they’re rewarding those who have supported the competition then how come someone with 5 away league but only one home FAC game got priority over a STH who attended all 3 FAC games?
I’m not saying that out of sour grapes, I’ve got my ticket - I’m just failing to agree with club’s poorly thrown together response and reasoning.
