The tweet was described as ‘patronising’ and ‘out of touch’
Manchester United have deleted a tweet which asked supporters where they were watching Saturday night’s Premier League encounter with Newcastle United after complaints it was ‘patronising’.
The game at St. James’ Park will be the first to be aired on a controversial new pay-per-view scheme for Premier League games, with fans who are unable to attend the game due to coronavirus measures only able to watch it live on television if paying a £14.95 fee.
On the morning of the game, a tweet sent by United’s official account in partnership with one of its commercial partners, Aeroflot, made reference to the infamous climb to the away supporters’ section at St. James’, before asking supporters where they would be watching the game.
‘At least there’s no climbing up 14 flights of stairs to get to the away end at St James’ Park for this one…’ the tweet joked. ‘Where are you watching #NEWMUN from?’
The tweet prompted plenty of angry responses, which pointed out many supporters have been priced out of the chance to watch the game due to the new PPV initiative.
Respected United journalist and editor of United We Stand Andy Mitten was one of many to reply: ‘The hardcore reds who’d be there today would give anything to climb those steps. Instead they face an unacceptable £15 for PPV… and being patronised in a sponsored tweet pretending to understand fan culture.’
The hardcore reds who'd be there today would give anything to climb those steps. Instead they face an unacceptable £15 for PPV…and being patronised in a sponsored tweet pretending to understand fan culture.
— Andy Mitten (@AndyMitten) October 17, 2020
The tweet was later removed from United’s Twitter feed, presumably as a direct result of the backlash it received from fans.
