This instance does not relate to individual supporters re-selling their tickets, but to a batch of season tickets sold to a small number of tour organisers during the 2015/16 season for the benefit of school groups.

The club terminated any third-party ticket provider agreements shortly after the club's change in ownership in 2021, including some hospitality sales and a small allocation of match tickets for a former commercial partner.

However, with no formal contract in place for the tour groups, the continued use and unauthorised resale of their season tickets at a higher package price was not detected until recently.

Upon being made aware of this issue, the club took immediate action.

At a time when we are doing our utmost to protect legitimate access for Newcastle United fans, we want to be fully transparent and apologise for this oversight.

The club has not received any funds above the face value price of these season tickets and has immediately returned the seats for sale to supporters who have entered the official ballot for upcoming fixtures.

Supporters who suspect unauthorised reselling are urged to send relevant information to [email protected].