AC Milan Back Fans’ Away Ticket Boycott, Threaten Retaliatory Pricing at San Siro

AC Milan have thrown their support behind supporters protesting against excessive away ticket prices, warning that clubs charging Rossoneri fans above-average rates could face higher ticket prices for their own travelling supporters at San Siro.

The controversy comes ahead of Milan's Serie A clash against Udinese on Sunday night, with the club's fans boycotting the fixture over the €65 ($73) price of an away ticket. The amount is more than double the average €30 ($34) typically paid by visiting supporters at the Bluenergy Stadium.

In a lengthy statement released on Wednesday, Milan expressed solidarity with their supporters, highlighting the financial burden associated with travelling to away matches and calling for equal treatment of fans across Italian football.

The club said it "understands (the fans') frustration and fully supports their position", emphasising that away-day expenses extend beyond the cost of a match ticket.

"The global appeal of Italian football depends heavily on the loyalty and passion of supporters of clubs like AC Milan," the club said.

"Charging those same fans excessive prices for away games is not only unfair but undermines the unity of the league at a time when Italian football needs to come together to compete against the Premier League and other European leagues.

"Practices like these only deepen divisions between clubs and creates an unhealthy antagonism between big and small teams in Serie A."

AC Milan Push For Away Ticket Price Cap

Milan have indicated that they intend to push for a league-wide limit on excessive away ticket prices, arguing that more consistent pricing would help protect travelling supporters and improve the overall experience of following Italian football.

However, the club has also warned that it could introduce reciprocal pricing measures against teams it believes are charging Rossoneri fans unfairly.

"We are also prepared to introduce a policy of reciprocity: clubs charging our supporters above average ticket pricing should expect their own fans to face higher prices when visiting San Siro, subject to applicable regulations," Milan said.

The club added that any additional revenue generated through such measures would be directed towards charitable causes rather than retained for sporting or commercial purposes.

"Any additional proceeds generated would be donated to Fondazione Milan to support charitable initiatives benefiting local communities."

Away Ticket Prices Become A Serie A Flashpoint

The dispute has brought the issue of away ticket affordability into focus, with Milan arguing that excessive charges risk alienating the supporters who contribute significantly to Italian football's popularity.

The Rossoneri believe that a collective approach from Serie A clubs is necessary to prevent ticket pricing from becoming a source of further division between teams and their fan bases.

While Milan's proposed reciprocal policy could increase the cost of attending matches for visiting supporters at San Siro, the club has made clear that any such action would have to comply with applicable regulations.