The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) is spearheading a campaign urging Premier League clubs to “Stop Exploiting Loyalty” in response to escalating ticket prices in the top-flight league. Fan groups representing clubs throughout the league are arranging meetings and protests at stadiums over the next two weekends. While these are the two designated matchdays for these activities, a demonstration occurred last weekend during the London derby between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United. Supporters from both teams voiced their opposition to their clubs’ pricing strategies.
A prominent group, Spurs’ Save Our Seniors, has pointed out that the £3 million savings arising from the removal of senior concessions match the annual bonus received by executive chairman Daniel Levy. Based on data from the FSA’s member supporter groups, ticket prices have seen an average increase of seven percent, with concessionary ticket prices witnessing even steeper hikes.
FSA Chairman, Tom Greatrex, commented on the situation. Tom Greatrex said, “The Premier League and its clubs really need to listen to this message – clubs must cherish and reward supporter loyalty rather than exploit it. 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.”
