Loyal Manchester City fans left furious as ‘disgraceful’ Etihad Stadium decision sparks outrage

Manchester City fans have voiced outrage after the club confirmed that long-standing season ticket holders in the North Stand will be forced to relocate as part of the Etihad Stadium’s £300 million redevelopment.

The expansion, first announced nearly three years ago, is now approaching completion and will add over 7,900 new general admission seats. The new-look stand will also include safe-standing sections and modern concourses.

In a statement, City said that the creation of “City Hall” meant a small number of North Stand season ticket holders would need to move before the 2026-27 season, though the club insisted no fans would be displaced to accommodate corporate hospitality areas.

However, many loyal supporters, some who have sat in the same seats for decades, have reacted furiously, accusing the club of prioritising revenue over loyalty and tradition.

Fans vent frustration over long-standing seats

Dozens of fans took to social media to express their anger, calling the decision “disgraceful” and “disgusting”. Many criticised the club for appearing to favour corporate packages at the expense of match-going supporters.

One fan posted: “City are now taking my seat off me in the North Stand from next season. Had the seat from day one, had my season ticket for 44 years, but chucked out to maximise revenue from corporate. @ManCity, you are a disgrace. I think that's me done now, this is my last season.”

The club confirmed affected fans will be given a priority relocation window, the opportunity to move with friends and family, and a two-year price freeze. Despite this, many still feel betrayed by a club they have supported for generations.

Etihad expansion nears completion

The Etihad Stadium currently holds around 53,400 supporters, but once the North Stand expansion is complete, capacity will rise to just over 60,000, making it one of the largest stadiums in the Premier League.

The development forms part of City’s wider vision to create a state-of-the-art entertainment and community hub, complete with fan zones, new facilities and enhanced matchday experiences.

Yet, as progress continues, the club faces growing criticism from sections of its fanbase who believe modernisation has come at the expense of supporter loyalty and tradition.

FGG Says

Manchester City’s Etihad expansion promises to elevate the club’s facilities to world-class levels, but the execution has clearly alienated some of its most loyal supporters. The optics of forcing long-time fans from their seats were never going to play well.

While progress is essential, City must strike a balance between commercial growth and fan identity. The North Stand faithful have been part of the club’s story for decades, their voices and loyalty deserve more than polite relocation offers.