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Fans of English Premier League clubs are set to protest against ticket prices ahead of a number of top-flight games over the next two weeks, offering their support for the #StopExploitingLoyalty campaign led by the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA).
Nineteen of the 20 top-flight men’s clubs in England raised ticket prices last season, with Crystal Palace the only one to freeze its prices. Feedback from FSA member supporter groups suggests that Premier League prices have increased by around 7% – with concessionary prices for younger and older supporters also taking a hit.
Fan groups at Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United protested together last weekend over their own clubs’ withdrawal of concessionary rates.
The FSA revealed that a petition against season ticket increases and the cutting back of concessionary rates has received backing from over 20,000 West Ham fans, while 15,000 Wolverhampton Wanderers fans have signed a similar petition at their own club.
As well as matchday activities and protests, fan groups will raise the #StopExploitingLoyalty campaign at upcoming supporter engagement meetings with their respective clubs.
“The Premier League and its clubs really need to listen to this message – clubs must cherish and reward supporter loyalty rather than exploit it,” commented FSA chair Tom Greatrex.
“Fans feel clubs often care more about attracting one-off visitors who’ll pay through the nose for a ticket while spending fortunes in the club shop, when they should be looking to reward those who go week in, week out, win or lose.
“A decade ago the FSA secured a £30 (€36/$39) away price cap in the Premier League and we’d implore clubs to speak to their supporters and find new ways to make sure football is affordable for all. We are certainly having those discussions with the leagues.
“An incoming Independent Football Regulator should also ensure ticket prices are part of a proper consultation process between a club and its supporters – something which is far from the case at present.”
A significantly altered Football Governance Bill would legally require English football clubs to consult with fans over ticket pricing, as part of an Independent Football Regulator. The bill was reintroduced to the House of Lords today (Thursday).
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