Dundee school buys 45 Newcastle v Barcelona tickets, prompting supporter frustration
High School of Dundee says tickets were bought via an approved provider as Newcastle fans raise concerns over access to Champions League seats
The High School of Dundee purchased 45 tickets for Newcastle United’s Champions League home fixture against Barcelona, a move that has drawn criticism from the Newcastle United Supporters’ Trust amid intense demand for seats at St James’ Park.
Supporters’ trust chair Lisa Mole said it “stings” that dozens of tickets for the 18 September match were secured by a school based nearly 200 miles away, after more than 110,000 users joined an online queue when the remaining seats went on general sale. The school said the tickets were bought “as part of a group package” after it was approached by an approved provider.
Newcastle did not supply tickets directly to the school, the supporters’ trust said. The High School of Dundee previously sent a similar-sized group to Newcastle’s Champions League fixture against AC Milan in 2023. A spokesman for the school confirmed to reporters that an approved provider made the approach and handled the purchase.
Mole said many club members pay annual fees and still struggle to secure tickets. “We have members who pay a membership fee every year who are not guaranteed a ticket and we have had numerous members contact us who did not get one ticket in the ballot last season,” she said. While she emphasised that ballots mean no guarantee of a ticket, she said it was disheartening for committed supporters to see non-Newcastle supporters granted access to high-profile matches.
The club’s allocation process this season allowed season-ticket holders to ensure their places for Champions League home games by joining a cup scheme; remaining tickets were split between ballots and a general sale to club members and season-ticket holders who did not enter the cup scheme. Club membership costs cited by the supporters’ trust are £37 for an adult and £20 for a child.
Buying tickets through third-party providers and group packages is common in the wider football market. David Burt, a former Newcastle player and current sports sales consultant at GB Sports Tours in north-east England, said school groups and other parties often approach tour operators for tickets when high-demand fixtures arise. Burt said he has personally been unsuccessful in the club ballot as a fan and has seen groups travel to high-profile matches through similar channels.
The controversy comes as Newcastle faces overwhelming demand for Champions League fixtures, with some supporters calling on the club to address capacity issues. Club discussions have included investigating either expanding St James’ Park or building a new stadium to accommodate growing interest in European competition.
The High School of Dundee and representatives of the approved provider did not provide further comment beyond confirming the purchase was made through the third party. Supporters’ groups continue to press the club for greater transparency and prioritisation of long-term fans as ticketing arrangements for marquee matches remain under scrutiny.