Newcastle United fans left with 'bad taste' as High School of Dundee snap up Barcelona tickets

A high school in Dundee has been criticised by the Newcastle United Supporters’ Trust after buying dozens of home tickets for the team’s upcoming Champions League match against Barcelona.

Over 110,000 users were in an online queue for next Tuesday’s opening group match at St James’ Park, which went on sale on September 9.

The sale came after the High School of Dundee was offered 45 tickets for the hotly anticipated fixture before any Newcastle supporter – who can pay up to £47 a year to receive ticket priority – entered a ballot.

The Newcastle United Supporters Trust (NUST) said the news has “understandably caused frustration” among its members.

“While we understand the importance of engaging younger audiences in football and bringing new fans into the game, this news has understandably caused frustration among many of our members,” Lisa Mole, chair of NUST, said.

“Mags Members continue to face extremely high demand for match tickets, often with limited opportunities through the ballot and resale systems. Supporters pay their membership fees each season without any guarantee of securing a ticket, and some did not receive a single ticket in any ballot last season.

“This situation leaves a bad taste for supporters who are fighting week in and week out to attend matches.

“The allocation of a significant number of tickets to individuals who are not NUFC supporters feels deeply unfair to those who have shown unwavering loyalty and commitment to the club.

“There is such a consensus at the minute about how bad the ticketing situation is that decisions like this only add to the frustration and sense of disconnect between supporters and those managing ticket distribution.

“We urge the club to listen to its fans and work towards a ticketing system that prioritises supporters over third parties and other agencies.”

The High School of Dundee has been contacted for comment.