Football fans ‘facing personal debt’
Die-hard football fans may be facing personal debt in light of rising season ticket prices, it has been claimed.
Research conducted by Virgin Money previously found the cost of the average season ticket escalated by 17 per cent over the course of 2006. The findings also show that 12% of football fans are considering not renewing their season ticket because they have been priced out of the game. This is up by 5 per cent on the same time last year. Half of these fans aren’t renewing because following their team is just too expensive.
Virgin Money estimates that around a quarter of all season tickets won’t be renewed across the country this summer. Granted, the overall cost is just one reason amongst others such as family commitments to the poor quality of the football on display.
Westham are likely to see the biggest back lash with over a third of fans claiming that they wouldn’t be renewing next year. But other clubs are also pricing their fans out of the market. Manchester United recently announced a 14 per cent rise in ticket prices for next season and Liverpool and Middlesborough are also likely to lose out.
The majority of the 17 per cent rise is attributed to the rise in ticket prices and merchandise, with the matchday basket of goods costing £77.95 last year as opposed to the £91.87 it currently is.
According to the Motley Fool, some Premiership teams are not providing value for money in terms of goals per pound. The worst offender was found to be Manchester City at a cost of £46.75 per goal scored in home games during the most recent season.
David Kuo, head of personal finance at the price comparison website, said: “Paying as much as £500 to watch your team put just ten goals in the onion bag at home is enough to bring a tear to even the most dedicated fan’s eyes.”
While fans of champions Manchester United saw the most goals hit the net over the course of the year, those wishing to manage their personal debt are advised to support Wigan or Blackburn at a cost per goal of £13.88 and £11.25 respectively.
Those who feel the need to follow their favourite team could welcome some assistance in tackling their personal debt.
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