MIDDLESBROUGH have agreed to freeze season ticket prices for young fans after "open and frank" discussions between supporter groups and chairman Steve Gibson this week.

Boro have also reduced the cost of walk-up tickets for Under-18s, which will cost £15 next season, down on the current price of £19.

The move to freeze Under-18s season ticket prices comes after what has been described as a "positive" meeting on Tuesday night, with Gibson and senior members of the club's staff sitting down with members of Middlesbrough Supporters Forum (MSF), which included representatives of Red Faction.

The meeting took place on the back of an angry reaction from supporters to last week's announcement of a price increase for season tickets for the 2024/25 campaign. Boro said at the time that the reluctant rise was "largely offset by the increase the club faces in both the national minimum wage and in business rates."

Fans were also angered the early bird window was initially scheduled to run until March 15, which meant supporters would have only had one payday before the deadline.

Mark Motley, of MSF, Rob Nichols, of fanzine Fly Me To The Moon and Twe12thman's John Donovan all worked tirelessly to take the views of supporters on board and feed the reaction back to the club, who then swiftly agreed to extend the early bird deadline until the end of March.

Discussions continued, with Boro now confirming the change of plans for Under-18s, and the club say the season ticket process in the future will "involve greater consultation with MSF, with regards to launch timings, communications, and the overall pricing structure."

Boro said in a statement: "MFC has always encouraged active engagement with our fanbase, listens to feedback and is happy to take actions where deemed appropriate.

"Everyone at MFC would like to take this opportunity to thank all our fans for their loyal and vital support, your continued commitment, the passion that you show, and for the unwavering backing which you give to Michael Carrick and his players."

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In protest against the price increase, supporter group Red Faction had revealed plans for a 30th minute walk-out during this Saturday's game against Plymouth.

Red Faction have now postponed that protest but say they will continue to push for further change.

After the announcement of the season ticket freeze and walk-up cost reduction for Under-18s, Red Faction posted on X: "The Under-18s are the future of this football club and we are pleased with this result and what this means for the average family attending matches, but we are still asking for more.

"This is a step in the right direction, so following the meeting and discussions with other fans, we have decided to postpone Saturday's protest and we hope to get back around the table before the Norwich game to hopefully bring more change. Should further talks and changes not be achieved, our protests will continue."

Season ticket prices for Under-18s will be frozen with immediate effect. Boro will contact supporters who have already bought an Under-18 ticket for next season and will now be due a refund.