Manchester United have banned 685 season ticket holders following a summer investigation into touting.
The Premier League club published their findings on Friday and broke down the extent of ticket misuse among supporters.
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Unusual activity was identified in 1,617 accounts, all of which are said to have required further review and been contacted so the holders could provide explanations.
No further action has been taken with 468 cases, although another 226 accounts have been issued with a final warning.
Initial season ticket bans were later reduced to restrictions on ticket forwarding for home fixtures and away match applications for 238 accounts.
However, United then explained that the independent appeals panel upheld season-long season ticket bans for 499 accounts, and those supporters can reapply for tickets afterwards.
A further 73 cases had bans that were not appealed, whilst 113 others were suspended as a result of no responses to repeated information requests.
Season ticket bans have been given to 685 accounts in total, with 464 others being hit with reduced sanctions or final warnings.
“Bans were issued where there was significant misuse of the ticketing system for financial gain,” the club said.
“This included the operation of organised ticketing networks, which were controlling, selling and distributing tickets from hundreds of accounts.”
The season tickets being released are set to be offered to supporters on the waiting list.
Those who have received bans are beginning to receive their refunds.
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United fans set to protest over ticket tout response
On Sunday, United will host archrivals Manchester City at Old Trafford for their first Premier League clash of the season.
However, many home supporters will use the match to protest amid the club’s crackdown on touting.
United reportedly threatened to withdraw tickets from accounts of loyal supporters who had shared details and single devices, with an apology later being issued.
Then, ahead of their 4-0 win over Sabah FK in the Champions League, some fans were sent messages warning against their attendance.
One shared a text that read: “You don’t have a ticket for the Sabah game on Thursday – do not come to Old Trafford.”
It also claimed that a fan’s season ticket could be deactivated for a future Premier League match if a ticket was not purchased for the Sabah match.
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As per the BBC, United accepted that the wording could have been improved, and they only sent the message after there were several follow-up attempts via email.
The 1958 fan group said: “Manchester United supporter groups are being called upon to all stand together following reports of bans and season ticket sanctions without clear and compelling evidence always being presented.
“For generations, match-going Reds have given their time, money and loyalty to Manchester United, home and away. That loyalty deserves to be treated with respect.
“This is not about one group or one individual. It is about how Manchester United treats its match-going supporters. It may not affect you today, it may not next time but that day is coming for all of us.
“If there is clear, substantive evidence of serious wrongdoing or organised ticket touting, show it.
“No loyal supporter should be treated as guilty without being given a fair opportunity to understand and challenge the case against them.”
