Manchester City fans boycotted the opening of their Premier League fixture against Leicester City on Wednesday in protest at ticketing issues at the Etihad Stadium.
Supporters gathered outside the stadium an hour before kick-off with a banner which read: “MCFC – For the love not the money.”
Hundreds of fans also remained in the concourses for the first nine minutes of the game.
The ones who stayed away missed Jack Grealish‘s opening goal — scored after just one minute and 49 seconds — before taking their seats.
Supporters are unhappy at potential season ticket price rises and the club’s partnership with third-party resale site Viagogo.
There’s set to be a meeting between City bosses and fan advisory board City Matters on Thursday.
Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, manager Pep Guardiola said his players will need the fans’ support if they are to finish the season strongly and qualify for next season’s Champions League, but backed their right to protest.
“I want to be honest, I don’t know the reasons why [fans are protesting],” Guardiola said.
“This is a football club that depends on its fans, from Maine Road, from a long time ago. Football clubs belong to the people and if the people don’t agree with something they can legitimately express concerns with the club. And the club is open, listening to them, arriving in agreement so everybody can be satisfied.”
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