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The Man City empty seat factors no-one wants to acknowledge

Manchester City's Champions League game with AEK Athens saw just 40,000 at the Etihad but the issue is not as simple as making easy Empty-had jokes…

By Alex James · Manchester Evening News

Published: Wednesday, 21 October 2026 at 1:59 PM

Key Things to Know

Alex James argues that fixture congestion and match costs explain empty seats at Manchester City's European ties.
City defeated AEK Athens 5-1 in the Champions League in front of an official crowd of 40,042.
The match was City's third home fixture within six days and part of five home games in 18 days.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Manchester Evening News writer Alex James argues that criticism surrounding empty seats during Manchester City's 5-1 Champions League win over AEK Athens ignores crucial context. The match drew an official attendance of 40,042 at the expanded 61,038-capacity Etihad Stadium, just days after a stadium-record crowd of 60,817 watched City defeat Ipswich Town.

James contends that fixture congestion and rising costs heavily influence supporter turnout, noting the AEK match was City's third home game in six days during a five-game home stretch across 18 days. Factors like ticket prices, travel, weather, and television options force fans to prioritize specific fixtures.

Read the full article on Manchester Evening News

The Man City empty seat factors no-one wants to acknowledge

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