A World Darts Champion has been spotted in the stands at Old Trafford, cheering on Manchester United. Luke Littler, 18-year-old darts star and lifelong United fan, was seen celebrating with fans after the Red Devils' 4-1 win over Wolves. So, how did he get to enjoy the matchday experience?
The answer lies with Adidas, United's official kit supplier. The company gives a small allocation of tickets for each game to its staff and guests. Littler was one of the lucky ones to snag three tickets, which he paid for at face value of over £30 each.
However, not everyone is happy about this arrangement. Some fans feel that those with connections to the club are getting preferential treatment when it comes to ticket allocation. The BBC notes that while the club claims its system is fair and transparent, there is evidence to suggest otherwise.
United's away tickets are in extremely high demand, with limited availability. Season ticket holders must attend every home game, including cup matches, to be eligible for away tickets. But many fans struggle to get their hands on these coveted tickets, often having to resort to 'touting', or selling them on the black market at inflated prices.
The issue has sparked debate about the club's approach to ticket allocation and whether it is creating a two-tier system. Some argue that United should be more transparent about its ticketing policies and ensure that all fans have equal access to tickets, regardless of their connections to the club.
Littler's presence on Monday evening raised eyebrows among fans, who feel that those with strong ties to the club are often given priority over others. The 18-year-old darts champion has been vocal about his love for Manchester United and had previously expressed his desire to buy tickets at face value.
While Littler was welcomed by the fans around him, the incident highlights a disconnect between some fans and the club. For those struggling to get hold of away tickets, the issue is often exacerbated by new rules around ticket downloads and who can forward them to.
The BBC Sport team will continue to monitor this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
The answer lies with Adidas, United's official kit supplier. The company gives a small allocation of tickets for each game to its staff and guests. Littler was one of the lucky ones to snag three tickets, which he paid for at face value of over £30 each.
However, not everyone is happy about this arrangement. Some fans feel that those with connections to the club are getting preferential treatment when it comes to ticket allocation. The BBC notes that while the club claims its system is fair and transparent, there is evidence to suggest otherwise.
United's away tickets are in extremely high demand, with limited availability. Season ticket holders must attend every home game, including cup matches, to be eligible for away tickets. But many fans struggle to get their hands on these coveted tickets, often having to resort to 'touting', or selling them on the black market at inflated prices.
The issue has sparked debate about the club's approach to ticket allocation and whether it is creating a two-tier system. Some argue that United should be more transparent about its ticketing policies and ensure that all fans have equal access to tickets, regardless of their connections to the club.
Littler's presence on Monday evening raised eyebrows among fans, who feel that those with strong ties to the club are often given priority over others. The 18-year-old darts champion has been vocal about his love for Manchester United and had previously expressed his desire to buy tickets at face value.
While Littler was welcomed by the fans around him, the incident highlights a disconnect between some fans and the club. For those struggling to get hold of away tickets, the issue is often exacerbated by new rules around ticket downloads and who can forward them to.
The BBC Sport team will continue to monitor this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
I'm not surprised to see Luke Littler out cheering at Old Trafford, he's been a massive United fan for ages 
. The thing that got me thinking is how the club's ticket allocation system is a total mess 
. It feels like only those with connections get priority over everyone else, which isn't fair 
. I mean, who doesn't love buying tickets at face value? 
If you're a season ticket holder, that's already such a big commitment, why do away tickets have to be so exclusive?
. It's like, I get it, there are only so many tickets available, but come on, can't they find a way to make it more fair for everyone? 
I'm all for the club making money, but at what cost if fans feel like they're being left out in the cold 
.
. The club needs to sort this out ASAP and make sure everyone has an equal chance to enjoy a matchday experience 
.
lol, didnt see this happen with luke's match tho 
i mean luke littler is just a massive united fan and hes paying face value for his tickets but others who cant even afford it are having to resort to selling them online which is just wrong 
.
. The club needs 2 step up its game & be more transparent about its ticketing policies, 'n all 
. Littler's just a lucky dude, but 4 others, this is a real issue 
.
. And what's up with the black market ticket thing? Selling them for inflated prices is straight up naughty 
. Can't United just make tickets more available or something? 
️ This two-tier system thing is a real issue, especially when it comes to away games 
.
I mean, it's one thing to be a super fan like Luke Littler but to have to pay £30+ each just to get 3 tickets? That's crazy! 
And yeah, I'm sure Adidas has nothing to do with it but for those of us who don't know anyone connected to the club or have season tickets, it feels like we're getting left behind 
I dunno why ppl are stressing about Luke Littler getting 3 tix @ face value... 
but idk if it's fair that staff & guests get treated diff 
. otherwise, it feels like a two-tier system and that cant be right for the club or the fans 
. And yeah, the whole thing does seem kinda unfair if you don't have connections to the club. Like, what even is the point of all these rules and restrictions? Can't they just make it fair for everyone? 
think its not fair that fans without connections have to pay extra to get tix, while those with ties get em for face value 
.