Ticketmaster issue statement on rearranged Take That Manchester gigs after fans slam 'far worse' seats

Ticketmaster has issued a statement after furious Take That fans complained of being given 'far worse' seats for the band's rearranged Manchester gigs. The ticket provider, which is one of the companies re-allocating seats for the gigs, has responded to the complaints.

The Manchester pop group were supposed to be performing at Co-Op Live on May 7, 9, 10, 11 and 12. However, the new £365m venue had to cancel and reschedule several concerts - including moving some to the AO Arena - after its opening was repeatedly delayed.

Thousands of A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie fans were set to attend the opening night on Wednesday (May 1) after performances by Peter Kay the previous week were postponed. But at 6.40pm, with queues forming outside ahead of the concert, the venue told fans to leave as the gig was cancelled and later revealed that this was because of a piece of an air conditioning unit falling from the ceiling.

READ MORE: 'You can get two pints in here for what they're charging at Co-op Live'

Soon after, all five nights of Take That were moved to the AO Arena. A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie went ahead at the AO last night (May 4).

However, some Take That fans who bought tickets for the Co-op Live shows have complained that the seats they have been given at Manchester's other arena are 'far worse'. Several ticket holders who forked out hundreds of pounds for prime tickets to the cancelled Co-op Live performances told the Manchester Evening News that they have been given 'far worse' seats at the 23,000-capacity venue.

AO Arena general manager Jen Mitchell said the venue 'completely sympathises' with fans, but explained that the venue does not manage ticketing. She said: "Ticketing providers are working incredibly hard to do what they