Manchester City is facing legal action from its own fans over a newly implemented season ticket policy. The policy, which requires season ticket holders to utilize their tickets for a minimum of 16 out of 19 home Premier League games, with personal attendance required at least ten matches, has sparked outrage among a segment of the club's supporters. Spearheading the legal challenge is Trade Union Blues, a Manchester City fan group, arguing that the policy unfairly penalizes fans who, due to various unavoidable circumstances, cannot meet the attendance requirements.

Lawyers at Leigh Day, representing Trade Union Blues, sent a letter to Manchester City, asserting that the minimum-game policy is discriminatory and potentially in breach of the 2010 Equality Act. The core argument revolves around the policy's failure to account for fans with protected characteristics or those facing unavoidable personal circumstances. These include elderly fans, individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, those with religious or cultural obligations, people with caring responsibilities, and shift workers. According to the legal challenge, the policy could lead to thousands of fans losing their season tickets due to circumstances beyond their control.

Critics of the policy argue that it punishes loyalty and fails to consider individual circumstances. Trade Union Blues Secretary, Chris Neville, stated, "This policy doesn't reward loyalty - it punishes people for being human. Illness, pregnancy, disability, caring responsibilities, or working shifts should now cost you your season ticket…The club talks about inclusion and community, but this policy does the exact opposite – it's divisive and discriminatory. We're urging the club to sit down with fans, rethink this damaging policy, and create a fairer, more inclusive approach."

The legal action has garnered support from Law for Change, an organization committed to funding legal challenges that promote equality and social justice. They stated their support for the challenge, emphasizing that the policy disproportionately impacts certain groups and expressing hope that the legal action would prompt the club to reconsider its decision.

Adding to the controversy, the new rules also apply to the "Flexi-Gold" option, a "pay-as-you-go" ticket that requires supporters to attend a minimum of 10 games to remain eligible for future season ticket access. This has further angered fans who feel the club is prioritizing profit over the loyalty and well-being of its supporters.

The fan group has formally requested a meeting with Manchester City representatives to resolve the matter and has given the club a 14-day deadline to respond. The outcome of this legal challenge could have broader implications for other football clubs considering similar policies, potentially setting a precedent for how clubs engage with their fan base and accommodate diverse needs and circumstances.