Cristiano Ronaldo unlikely to play with Manchester United at MCG
Many soccer fans who bought tickets “just to see” legendary goal scorer Cristiano Ronaldo play at the MCG are trying now to get their money back.
Victoria
Don't miss out on the headlines from Victoria. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Melbourne’s push for massive crowds at two blockbuster Manchester United matches at the MCG could take a hit due to superstar Cristiano Ronaldo’s apparent snub.
Up to 150,000 fans were expected to pack the MCG as English Premier League power United this week takes over Melbourne.
But, as the consumer watchdog vowed to monitor the situation, fans left disappointed by Ronaldo’s expected absence said the crowd size and atmosphere would not be the same without the tour’s headline act.
United fanatic Adam Schwereb, one of more than 100 official supporters to travel from Sydney, said fans around Australia bought tickets hoping to see one of the greatest players of all time.
“It’s not good for fans, especially the younger generation who absolutely idolise him,’’ he said.
“It’s not the first time a big name has pulled out of a tour and he’s said it’s for family reasons.
“But there are heaps of people who bought tickets just to see Ronaldo.’’
It comes as the ACCC said it “will closely monitor any concerns from consumers that purchased tickets to the Manchester United match based on advertising or other marketing material.’’
United’s squad of 31 players will arrive in Melbourne on Wednesday but Ronaldo is not expected to be on the flight after last week pulling out of a tour of Thailand.
The state government was tight lipped about whether it would seek compensation from the club or promoters if Ronaldo fails to line up, citing a commercial in confidence deal with Visit Victoria.
Mr Schwereb said fans would have the MCG rocking regardless but Ronaldo’s absence would take the gloss off a series billed as a coup for Melbourne’s major events comeback.
“There are now heaps of tickets up for sale since it’s pretty clear he’s not coming,’’ he said.
“It will be interesting to see how many people say ‘bugger it, if I can’t see him I want my money back’.’’
Promoters TEG Sport and Left Field Live said United were bringing “a strong squad’’ and there would be a “sea of red” at the MCG for “a big coup for Australian sport”.
“We understand that Cristiano Ronaldo was granted a leave of absence from the match in Thailand due to personal reasons and we await the club’s further advice as to whether Ronaldo will travel to Australia,’’ they said.
“Fans know that team selection is always subject to matters such as player injury, family issues or transfer and can never be guaranteed.’’
A government spokesman refused to say if it would seek recourse if Ronaldo failed to front.
“Both Manchester United matches to be played in Melbourne will be a great spectacle for fans,’’ he said in a statement.
United’s official website on Tuesday still carried a prominent photo of Ronaldo advertising the team’s pre-season tour, including matches in Melbourne and Perth.
Manchester United, one of the biggest brands in world sport, is worth $6.4 billion and boasts a fanbase of about 75 million worldwide.
‘Darkness in Australia’: Jewish fears grow
One of Melbourne’s top Jewish leaders has slammed the Albanese government, telling a crowd that gathered to mourn the October 7 attacks that the government had “abandoned” Israel.
Read more
Tradie stand-off exposes Block liars, judges rip ‘squashed’ rooms
The true villains of the show get found out amid all the plaster problems, and contestants commit apparently mortal living and dining room sins, according to the judges.
Read more