AFC Bournemouth Crack Down As Ticket Misuse Cases Rise By 25%

AFC Bournemouth have revealed a sharp rise in ticket misuse cases during the 2025/26 season, with the issue remaining one of the club's biggest off-field challenges despite a fall in reports of discriminatory behaviour.

Figures released by the Cherries show that 186 ticket misuse incidents resulted in sanctions over the course of the campaign - a 25% increase on the previous season.

The club says it has continued to crack down on ticket transfers, touting, concession abuse and away supporters occupying home sections in an effort to protect the integrity of the Cherries points system and ensure tickets reach genuine supporters.

Reports came from stewards, club staff and supporters, while the ticket office also carried out random ticket checks at both home and away matches alongside investigations into suspicious supporter accounts. Depending on the severity of the offence, sanctions ranged from written warnings and match bans to the loss of Cherries points, season tickets and, in the most serious cases, indefinite suspensions from the club's ticketing system.

Cherries supporters have noticed the issues seem to be more prevalent during matches against the Sky Big Six, which includes both Manchester clubs Tottenham, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea.

However, there was more encouraging news regarding supporter behaviour, with AFC Bournemouth reporting a significant drop in incidents of discrimination throughout the season. Racism remained the most commonly reported form of discrimination, although the club noted that sexism and misogyny were increasingly being heard around matches, suggesting those incidents may be underreported. Sanctions included education sessions, written warnings and suspensions while police investigations took place.

However, the number of reports relating to foul and abusive language increased during the campaign, rising from 17% of all reported incidents in 2024/25 to 24% this season.

According to the club, the majority of incidents occurred in the West and South Stands, with many directed towards AFC Bournemouth staff. Punishments ranged from warnings and behavioural contracts to three-match stadium bans.

Interestingly, these stands are often the two which house most away supporters, either via hospitality purchased in the Main (West) Stand, or through the aforementioned ticket misuse - in the Ted Macdougall (South) Stand.

Supporters who witness incidents on matchdays are encouraged to report them to stewards or club staff, use the club's confidential text reporting service or contact AFC Bournemouth directly via its supporter liaison and operations teams.

Details of the channels of communication to the club can be seen here.