A group of disabled Man City supporters said that they are "'disgusted' with the club" after it "hiked prices of some season tickets" by £345 ($519) to £975 ($1,467). The 283% rise, which "comes after it emerged City were increasing the cost of some season tickets for able-bodied fans" from £870 ($1,309) to £1,700 ($2,600), has been "strongly criticised by some of those affected." The fans claimed that the Premier League champions are "trying to force migration to other parts of the Etihad Stadium as part of a wide-ranging re-seating plan following a 6,000-seat extension," which will see capacity rise to around 55,000 (London DAILY MAIL, 4/23). ... Australian Football League side Greater Western Sydney CEO David Matthews has "set the ambitious goal" of having 10,000 Canberra-based members by '18, which would "put the AFL club on a par with the Canberra Raiders and ACT Brumbies." It would "need a rapid rise" for the AFL's newest team, but Matthews was "hoping an expected rapid improvement on the field would help fuel that." Matthews said that the growth in fan base would also "help solidify the club's financial position" (CANBERRA TIMES, 4/20). ... EPL side Newcastle United fans are being urged to "Stand Up To Ashley" during the team's home match against Swansea City on Saturday. Supporters groups have asked everyone at St. James' Park to "get their feet in the 34th minute in protest" at Newcastle having £34m cash reserves in the bank yet an "alarmingly under-strength side on the pitch." The message to club Owner Mike Ashley is to "loosen the purse strings" (London GUARDIAN, 4/23).
