Premier League side Hull City supporters believe the club’s owners are "acting vindictively" toward them by refusing to use the name "Hull City," according to David Kent of the London DAILY MAIL. The Allam family has "long since wanted to change the club’s name to Hull Tigers but saw that move blocked" by the FA amid fan protest. And the owners have "again angered the club’s followers by sending out correspondence" relating to the club’s membership scheme with no mention of the words "Hull City." Supporters' Trust Chair Geoff Bielby said, "Ever since the Allam family lost their battle over the name chance, they have treated the word 'City' like the worst-possible four-letter word. Many supporters believe it is another example of the club acting vindictively towards us." The club is "also at war with fans" over its refusal to offer concessionary tickets to children and pensioners. Bielby: "Some of the ticket pricing is to be applauded but a lack of concessions is a dangerous precedent. The pensioner who sat next to me has seen his current seat near the halfway line increase from £289 ($320) to £486 ($538)." A club spokesperson said, "Our new prices start at just £9, the best value in the league, and we have also added a period of time for concessions to get access to cheaper tickets before general sale." On the naming issue the spokesperson added, "This point has been contentious because of our owners' attempts to change the name of the club in the past. We feel the Tigers brand is powerful and use it for marketing purposes whilst the playing name remains Hull City" (DAILY MAIL, 7/28).
