FULHAM will not lower their new season ticket prices despite fans’ protests at “draconian” hikes.
The west Londoners announced this week that season tickets would rise by at least 18 per cent across the board, with the top ticket coming in at a whopping £3,000.
That will get fans a “platinum” seat in the upper tier of the club’s new Riverside Stand, though it does not include any hospitality.
Compared to clubs across the board this season, it comes in at nearly £1000 more than the next most expensive general admission season ticket at Tottenham.
The Fulham Supporters’ Trust have called on the club to revisit the pricing and keep hikes below inflation in an open letter to owner Shahid Khan, saying the hikes have caused “distress, anxiety, anger and disillusionment” among fans.
Their letter read: “While we understand the importance of ensuring the club’s long-term sustainability, we believe there are better ways to achieve this than the recent draconian ticket announcements.
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“As a result, we urge you to take a serious look at this issue and consider how it can be addressed in a way that benefits both the club and its supporters.
“Furthermore, we express concern regarding the pricing structure for the Riverside Stand.
“Seats priced at £3,000 appear to be amongst the most expensive non-hospitality season tickets in football worldwide.
“While we appreciate the investment and support you have given to Fulham, both on and off the pitch, we believe this pricing structure is out of touch with the financial realities facing many of our loyal fans.”
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Fulham insist the price rises were not a decision taken by Khan, who recently wrote off £40.5million and has invested significantly in Craven Cottage and the playing squad, something that is acknowledged by the Trust.
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The cheapest ticket in the new Riverside Stand comes in at £1250, a 25 per cent rise from this season when a limited section was opened to supporters before the full opening later this year.
Junior prices have also been hiked by as much as 58 per cent in some areas.
Fulham, however, are still offering adult family section season tickets at £455, cheaper than the lowest price season ticket at similar clubs such as Nottingham Forest, Everton and Brighton.
The club are keen to stress that the decision to raise prices, which in the Hammersmith Stand have risen by an average of two per cent a year since 2004, was made due to rising costs across the board and in order to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.
Senior figures at the club are keen to keep an open dialogue with supporters, who held their monthly meeting with the Trust this week.
Though supporters within the Trust were left fuming at only being given four hours notice of the price announcement and said it did “not constitute meaningful consultation”.
There has also been backlash to the news on social media with disgruntled supporters voicing their opinions.
One fan said: “This may be my last season as a season ticket holder for 20+ years. Started every game home & away despite living 300 miles from the Cottage.
“Heartbreaking to see so many long-time hardcore fans and families priced out of the game. Never thought this would happen at our club.”
Another added: “£100 increase in H6, and that’s before you mention any of the other price increases. 13 years I’ve had a season ticket, and this may be the end! Disgusting from the club! So out of touch!”
A third said: “Wow! 3k? Understand it (just) if we were a team pushing for top eight every season 🤣🤣!
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“People buying those seats have more money than sense. Seeing as fans are more likely to see repeat performances of last Saturday against West Ham, I will pass, but thanks for the opportunity.
And another commented: “Alienating a lot of the loyal fanbase with this pricing strategy.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
