Manchester City were criticised by some of their own supporters for taking season ticket payments for games that may not go ahead.
Fans on the direct debit scheme for season tickets were set to see their tenth and final payment go out on either April 1 or April 15 depending on their preference.
However, the coronavirus outbreak has not only seen greater financial uncertainty for many people in society but also makes it highly unlikely that supporters will be able to watch the four home games scheduled for April and May or the matches with Burnley and Arsenal that were postponed in March.
City have confirmed that around 1,000 casual staff that work on matchdays will be paid until the end of the season regardless of if the games go ahead. However, the stance on supporters direct debit payments is that the campaign remains postponed rather than cancelled.
While neighbours United have moved to offer a pro-rata rebate for fans against season tickets for next year or a refund on this season if games are unable to be played either entirely or in front of a crowd, City are still expecting to take payments off supporters in the coming days. Fans are also still waiting to know if they will be refunded for the Real Madrid home game.
The decision not to suspend direct debit payments was criticised by some supporters online.
One said : "Why should I pay £65 in April when the last home game was in mid Feb and the last game was a month ago, it's not right, especially now I'm not working and have no more money coming in and I know I'm not the only one."
Another commented : "Such a PR own goal! City will owe me £450 if non of these games get played, when can I expect to see this money I wonder."
