BPL: Fan anger mounts over ticket prices

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DIFFERENT SPORT, SAME PROBLEM.

Discontent among supporters over spiralling English Premier League ticket prices is mounting, as fans attempt to make their voices heard. Even followers of sworn enemies are joining forces to call for change.

Opposition reached a head after champions Manchester City returned 912 unsold tickets priced at £62 ($100, 75 euros) for Sunday's game at Arsenal, while fans brandished banners reading "Don't price us out of our game" and "£62 and we're still here".

Supporters of Manchester United and Liverpool got together last week to express their anger at escalating costs.

"We're looking at working with the arch enemy Manchester United and others to put a bit of pressure on the clubs to introduce a cap for prices on away tickets," said Paul Martin, from Liverpool fan group Spirit of Shankly.

"The rivalry will start to dwindle when the prices are driving local people away from the game."

Supporters are disgruntled that fans of high-profile clubs such as United, City, Liverpool and Arsenal are being forced to pay more to follow their team away from home than supporters of other sides.

To counter price rises, fan groups the Football Supporters' Federation (FSF) and Supporters Direct are set to launch a campaign calling for the introduction of a £20-£25 cap on the cost of tickets for visiting fans.