The Football Supporters’ Association have launched a campaign amid the increasing ticket prices for Premier League clubs
The Football Supporters’ Association is spearheading a “Stop Exploiting Loyalty” campaign in response to escalating ticket prices in the Premier League. Over the next two weekends, fan groups from various clubs will convene and stage protests at stadiums.
Liverpool announced in April that there would be a 2% increase to prices for season tickets and members matchday tickets for the 2024/25 season. A steep increase in operating costs for the Reds was given as the main reason behind the decision to increase ticket prices for the new campaign.
Everton also confirmed their ticket prices earlier this year for the club’s final season at Goodison Park. While there were increases for adult tickets, the prices for child and junior tickets remained frozen from the previous campaign.
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Some Premier League clubs have already staged protests over the price increase for tickets this season. Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham fans joined forces for the fixture at the London Stadium last weekend, reports Football London
According to the FSA, 19 out of 20 Premier League clubs have increased ticket prices this season, with Crystal Palace being the only exception, having frozen its prices. Despite the increase this season, Liverpool’s season ticket prices have increased by just 0.4% over the last 10 years which is significantly lower than many of their top-flight rivals.
On average, ticket costs have risen by seven percent, but some increases, particularly for concessionary tickets, are substantially higher. FSA chairman Tom Greatrex has issued a stark message to the Premier League and its 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,” Greatrex said.
“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 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.”
Liverpool CEO Billy Hogan was asked about the rising ticket prices for the current campaign during the pre-season tour in the United States in the summer. Hogan explained how rising costs were a factor when deciding the new ticket prices.
“In this case, [the pros and cons of a price rise] is something we always consider,” said Hogan earlier this year.
“Two per cent, people took issue with that. In terms of the profits of the club, people can see that everything we generate we invest back in the club.
“We don’t take any consideration around ticket price increases lightly. But it is something we felt was needed. The costs of operating Anfield have gone up. The utilities have gone up 100% in the last year.
“The operations and expense have gone up dramatically in the last nine years. I know people feel passionately about it, we do the same. We never take any decision lightly. But we thought it was justified in this case.”
