Posted on 20th April 2018
This is a story from the FSF archive – the FSF and SD merged to become the FSA in 2019.
Liverpool fans have hit out at the eye-watering away ticket prices being charged in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Supporters travelling to the away leg at Roma’s Stadio Olimpico will be charged £73 for the privilege. Liverpool’s Spirit of Shankly (SoS) group have called for action on the problem of away pricing in European competition.
“Once again, as happened against Porto earlier in the competition, Liverpool fans are being asked to pay a premium,” SoS said.
“Liverpool are known, and respected, for their travelling support and clubs know they will sell out, even at high prices. But this is neither fair or right.
“We should not be asked to pay more than other supporters.”
Elsewhere, Arsenal supporters were facing £79 away tickets for their Europa League tie against Atletico Madrid. However, the club has stepped in and will be subsidising travelling Gunners, making sure they pay no more than home fans (£36).
Arsenal supporters’ liaison officer Mark Brindle said: “We know our match in Madrid is already shaping up to be an expensive one for our supporters with the early-May Bank Holiday increasing travel costs.
“On top of this, our fans are being asked to pay a higher ‘non-member’ price for their tickets to Estadio Metropolitano.
“Our travelling fans are the lifeblood of the club and we hope this measure helps to make their journey to Spain a little easier.”
Spirit of Shankly are also asking their club to step in, but recognise that subsidies aren’t a long-term solution.
“The importance of the role of supporters in our run to the semi-finals has been acknowledged by players, the manager and the national press,” SoS said.
“SoS ask the club to stand with us and fight other clubs cashing in on our loyalty.”
The problem of away ticket pricing in European club competition has been in the spotlight over recent seasons, and Football Supporters Europe (FSE), continue to lobby UEFA for better regulation.
Thanks to PA Images for the image used in this article.
Amahl Pellegrino isn’t a name that will be familiar to many FSA members, having spent most of his career bobbing about between the Norwegian first and second division. He was the league’s top scorer last season but he’s not just a tap-in merchant. What a pearler this is. One of the most aesthetically pleasing goals you’ll see all season…
Europe’s biggest clubs have been roundly criticised by their own supporters today over plans to expand the Champions League.
Fulham have revealed their matchday pricing for 2022-23 – and tickets costing £100 have been described as “hideously expensive” by Fulham Supporters’ Trust.
The EFL have been criticised by fans of Grimsby Town for postponing their League Two game against Crewe Alexandra due to a head spinning set of circumstances involving Manchester City’s Under-21s.
