Everybody saw what happened in the recent match between Manchester City and Arsenal where latter fixed the unparalleled price for City fans. Even though City won the match, there were more than two third of the City fans who did not accept the arbitrary pricing put on by north London club. Now, a campaign has been called upon to avoid any future alike situation where a host team could fix an unwarranted ticket pricing either to avoid visitor’s fan to attend the match, or to make it sure that host would always have an edge over visitors. Football Supporters Federation, who has come forward to put a ceiling on all away prices, has decided to put a £20 max cap which is well within the reach of any fan who wants to follow his favorite team. Notably, more than two third tickets of City vs. Arsenal match were sent back by City citing their price was too high for their fans, despite, around 1000 city fans were presented on the D-day and cheered their team.
Actually, this is not just a one match problem, every host team has seen rising the prices to encash every bit of revenue possibility these days, moreover, away fans are forced this way to buy costly tickets which is almost sold on host’s part; hence important matches are always sold out. To change this business aspect of unethical procedures being followed in today, every club looks to be in support of Football Supporters Federation’s novel step. Deputy Chairman of the FSF Martin O’Hara said over the issue, “Those who follow their team away are the distilled essence of the football fan – the hardcore. Without away fans the atmosphere at games dies and football loses a large part of what makes it so special.
“Travelling supporters spend the most time and money on their team and that deserves recognition and reward. In the short term clubs might make a few extra quid by squeezing away fans dry but long-term vision is required.”
Because of ticket pricing row, City vs. Arsenal clash’s live telecast gained extraordinary ratings in whole Europe; perhaps TV broadcaster had to increase advertising rates to encash the opportunity. O’Hara added to his statement, “Away attendances are in decline and something must be done by the clubs before that becomes terminal. Who wants to go to games without away fans, games without passion?”
“We believe that an away ticket price cap of £20 would make football more affordable and halt the decline in away fan attendances. The Score Campaign aims to make this a reality.”