TICKET PRICE REDUCTIONS

Last updated : 01 March 2007 By Ed
Yesterday Everton, Blackburn and Sheffield United announced they would not increase season-ticket prices next season. The news has been welcomed by Football Supporters' Federation chairman Malcolm Clarke, but only if it's a first step to further price cuts.

"We do welcome it but we think there's scope for more," he said.

"If I tell you that the new television money is equivalent to £30 for every admission to a Premiership game this season, you've got an idea of the scale of the mega-bucks they're getting from television," he said.

"In other words, they could almost afford to let everybody in free next season and still have as much money as they've got this season.

"So, there's plenty of scope for cuts.

"I now think it would be quite outrageous if any Premiership club put up their prices for next season."

Clarke also had a word to say on away supporters who are being priced out of the game.

"Away fans are the football industry's best and most loyal customers and any intelligent industry would do anything to look after its best and most loyal customers," he said.

He also had a message for United after fans were asked to boycott buying things inside Craven Cottage.

"Rich club doesn't equal rich supporters," Clarke added.