Black Cats Points: Is The Current System Fair On Fans?
Sunderland’s success has made away tickets harder than ever to get, but could a small change to the Black Cats Points system give the next generation a way in?
Sunderland fans have been debating the fairness of the club's Black Cats Points system, which rewards loyal away-day supporters. The system has been a polarizing topic, especially with Sunderland in a strong position in the Premier League and Europa League. The points system rewards those who attend the most games, particularly away matches, and many long-standing fans have built up substantial point tallies while things were less enjoyable.
However, the system is difficult for newcomers to climb, and with the club's increasing popularity, it's becoming harder for younger fans to earn points and secure tickets. While the ballot system introduced this season has provided more opportunities, buying a membership to apply still requires a significant investment and the process is ultimately a lottery.
For someone with a young child, taking them to away games may be a daunting prospect. The club could potentially address this issue by reserving a percentage of away allocations for fans under 18, accompanied by an adult with the necessary points. This could give young supporters a real chance to get involved in the system while also tackling the problem of older fans monopolizing the points.
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