Pricey soccer clubs torn off a strip

Date published: 08 December 2009

FOOTBALL clubs are taking advantage of their loyal fans — despite the recession, it has been claimed.

Clubs are charging as much as £92 for match day tickets, the price of lager varies from £2.70 to as much as £3.80 for a pint, and the cost of football shirts can vary by more than £10.

According to research by the Liberal Democrats the most expensive matchday ticket at Manchester United is £49, and £45 for City — compared with £92 for Arsenal.

United’s average prices are the fifth highest in the premiership at £38 compared with £32.50 at City.

Liberal Democrat shadow culture, media and sport secretary, Don Foster said: “These figures show that Premier League clubs are a long way from ending their love affair with money.

"Not only do fans have to pay sky high prices for tickets, but if they want to enjoy a pint of lager they can end up paying way over the odds.

“Add this to the high price for team merchandise, and the bill begins to look very steep.

"Clubs must not continue to take advantage of the goodwill of their dedicated followers, particularly in this time of economic recession."

There were also discrepancies in the price of an adult kit. Both Manchester United and Manchester City kits costs £72 — more than another top team apart from Tottenham.