In recent years, Premier League fans have increasingly united to protest against the rising costs of attending matches, with ticket prices soaring by over 800% since 1990. The issue has transcended traditional rivalries, as supporters from clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, and others have joined forces to campaign for more affordable tickets. The growing discontent is particularly fueled by the Premier League’s shift towards catering to wealthier, corporate fans, sidelining the loyal, working-class supporters who form the backbone of the clubs.
One of the most significant grievances stems from the removal of concession tickets for children and seniors. For instance, Manchester United’s decision to scrap these discounted tickets, raising prices for some to as much as £66, has sparked widespread condemnation. Fans argue that such decisions, though financially insignificant for the club, have a damaging impact on the community and atmosphere at the stadium. Steve Crompton, a United fan and head of media for FC58, a coalition of United supporters, voiced his frustration, emphasizing that the club’s actions undermine the very fans who have supported it through thick and thin.
The situation is not isolated to Manchester United. Other clubs have followed suit, with many increasing ticket prices and making it harder for local fans to afford to attend matches. For example, Nottingham Forest raised their prices by an average of 20%, while Tottenham announced plans to phase out senior concessions by 2029. Fans are feeling increasingly alienated as they see their loyalty being exploited for financial gain, especially given the Premier League’s lucrative broadcasting deals, which are set to increase by 17% in the coming years.
The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) has been at the forefront of the campaign, arguing that the rising prices are unjustifiable, even when accounting for increased operational costs. Some clubs, however, are bucking the trend. Brentford, for example, has frozen season ticket prices for next season and introduced a £10 cap on tickets for under-18s, both at home and away. Brentford’s chief executive, Jon Varney, has called on other clubs to follow suit, emphasizing that football clubs have the power to make the game more affordable and challenge the rising costs.
The movement has gained momentum, with fans from various clubs coming together to protest against the price hikes. Supporters of Manchester City, Brighton, West Ham, and others have joined forces with Liverpool’s Spirit of Shankly (SOS) union, staging protests outside stadiums to raise awareness about the issue. Paul Khan, chair of SOS, highlighted the results of a survey conducted among members, with 92.1% supporting the call for lower ticket prices. Despite this overwhelming mandate, when Khan approached Liverpool’s management, the club merely announced a 2% price increase without consulting fans, further fueling the anger.
The financial burden on fans is becoming increasingly evident. In the past, attending a match was far more affordable, with tickets costing a fraction of what they do now. For example, a full season ticket for Liverpool in 1983 cost just £36, whereas today it costs £735. Fans point out that while going to the cinema has become more expensive, the cost of attending a football match has skyrocketed, leaving many working-class fans priced out.
Liverpool has promised to engage with its supporters board about next season’s ticket prices, but the FSA’s campaign will continue. The £30 cap on away tickets, a result of previous fan campaigns, serves as a reminder of what can be achieved when fans unite. The FSA has raised the issue with Premier League chief executive Richard Masters, who has pledged to take these concerns to the clubs. However, fans remain skeptical, fearing that clubs are quietly testing the limits of what they can get away with, particularly after the pandemic when they were quick to claim that football could not survive without fans.
In response to this, supporters are calling for a collective effort to challenge the growing corporatization of football. They argue that while clubs may be focused on attracting wealthier fans, they must not forget the loyal supporters who have been part of the football community for generations. If fans do not stand up to the increasing commercialization of the sport, they risk becoming mere pawns in a game controlled by billionaires who have little regard for the history or the community of the clubs they own.
