Man City sell out Community Shield allocation for Arsenal game despite fan boycott

Manchester City have sold their allocation for the Community Shield despite fan groups asking supporters to boycott the game.

The 1894 Group had called on fans to stay away from Wembley in protest at a late kick-off time that was originally set for 5.30pm on Sunday August 6 before being moved to 4pm after the club expressed concerns about the kick-off time. The protest garnered plenty of support among Blues and over £10,000 has been raised so far for Manchester foodbanks from donations that would otherwise have gone towards the match, with more to come.

However, despite those staying away the club have managed to sell the 31,500 tickets they were given for the game. Those sales have happened inside five days, although the majority of them have gone to club members after many season ticket holders passed on the opportunity to snap them up.

City are aiming to win their fourth trophy of the year after a memorable Treble to round off last season when they face Arsenal in North London. Mikel Arteta's side are aiming to make a statement of their own to build on their runners-up spot in the Premier League.

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As well as a full support at Wembley, Pep Guardiola will still be able to count on the backing from afar of those who have stayed away from the match. 1894 and MCFC Fans Foodbank Support have organised a screening at Band on the Wall in Manchester, with all profits donated to the fundraiser.

A statement from the 1894 Group on Saturday indicated that they will keep pushing for more to be done in terms of making sure matchgoing fans are given proper consideration by football authorities. "It would have been easy to keep quiet and be happy clappers over this