Comments on: There is no acceptable way for Premier League clubs to spin this

By: Mutsa

Mutsa — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 10:15:49 +0000

you all need to realise that this is a market that is controlled by supply and demand, if the stadium only has 60,000 seats in it whats the point of pricing the tickets so that 100,000 can afford it? are you suggesting that the tickets should be cheaper for the sole reason of making everyone feel like they ‘could’ afford to go even though they are not gonna go?

By: Jim

Jim — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 02:28:22 +0000

That’s ok while the people who can afford higher prices continue to attend and pay. Once they move onto their new toy or something else that is new and shiny your football club will be turning back to its staunch supporters who just may not be interested any longer. Many major sports are commiting to this strategy and alienating true fans. It will come back to bite them.

By: Isaan Iron

Isaan Iron — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 01:20:48 +0000

A fan boycott for ST holders who’ve already paid, I don’t think so. Fans could choose a day to boycott and all go and watch a non league match close to home, would definitely be good for football at that level and send a message to the greed merchants of the EPL.

By: Res90

Res90 — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 23:59:02 +0000

The supply and demand argument significantly reduces the debate into 2 quite simple and not wholly representative segments. Markets are highly complex, and I think this particular debate requires an element of what is ‘fair’ to be at least considered. There are many markets which are regulated for a variety of good reasons. It may just be the case that this one should also be considered from that perspective

By: southcoastyid

southcoastyid — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 22:59:01 +0000

there’s no gun to anybodys head, everything from stewards to turnstile staff, beer servers to pie heaters they all need paying let alone the global superstars, i believe the references to any other business is with regard to the premier league and the hundreds of millions it generates, over a hundred country’s subscribe, millions tune in, every club invests to achieve involvement in the first instance and the bigger the investment the higher the prize and the higher the expectation.
at spurs we have the cup games if you want to watch the penny’s we saw lazio earlier this year for 20quid.

By: Warrington Blue

Warrington Blue — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 22:12:32 +0000

The problem with all this is that the clubs and the supporters are coming at the problem from opposite sides. The supporter wants to watch his team for as little as possible, never mind the buzz words “match day experience” on the other hand the club want to get as much out of you as possible. The corporate lot who are one off game goers and company charged are not concerned nor are the tourist match goers. When the supporters are priced out you will end up with atmosphere like at the library. There will still be no concern whatsoever from the clubs as long as the seats are full.

By: Rodin

Rodin — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 21:46:23 +0000

I would suggest that those of you parroting the frankly moronic line about ‘football is a business like any other’ perhaps you’d like to quote me the business manual that states that a successful business is one that racks up losses many times its turnover, year after year after year and still remains in business.

Or perhaps you’d like to find me an example of a business whose assets go through almost complete amortization unless sold before any significant percentage has been converted into profit.

I would suggest before you open your mouth or apply your forehead to your keyboard and say that football is a business like any other, you actually read up on and understand some of the principles OF business.

Until then, you’re just a mouthpiece for a abnormal business system – one that will eventually price YOU out of a ticket. I wonder how loudly you’ll shriek that football is a business like any other then.

By: dave

dave — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 21:46:03 +0000

Why do you think the London clubs are worrying about West Ham getting the Olympic stadium. They will drop ticket prices big time and cause the others issues.
West ham already do kids for a quid often, the so called big london clubs will hate it when they make it £25 for adults. Give it time they will react.
West Ham charged MAN U fans £20. For the cup game, replay Man U charge £45. They had a choice but took the chance to screw the fans again.
West Ham aren’t great, they caned everyone in the championship, but I think they are reckognising people c an’t do it all the time.
Simple answer, don’t buy the tickets, or dare I say don’t buy your sky subscription, thats what started it all.

By: Indyfan

Indyfan — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 21:26:42 +0000

I’m a bit surprised by this article.I’m an old codger – I left England 55 years ago for the States, aged 28. I played soccer, cricket, badminton , table tennis and chess, mostly competitively at various amateur levels. In the States I felt people were not nearly so active in sports! OK so here we can watch football, and soccer and tennis (oh I got into that, too, but not in England) and baseball (yawn). I think you’re much more sports orientated, at least in terms of getting your backside off the couch and enjoying playing. As for watching football, every township or village in England has its own team, why not support it instead of paying through the nose to watch a big club (you can always follow it on TV).
I am able to watch Spurs almost every week on TV – and I’m one who remembers watching them from the terraces week i9 week out for a few bob:)

Oh, cricket was my best game and the one I really missed for years. I’d love to pick up a bat again!

By: Berad

Berad — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 21:15:55 +0000

Supply and demand. It’s an ages old theory. Like it or not football is entertainment and there is an extremely high demand for seats inside the stadia. You can also watch on tv if you don’t wish to pay for the ticket. Not saying it’s good or bad but it is. London is one of the most expensive cities in the world. How much to go to the ballet in London? The theatre?