Arsenal Supporters’ Trust slam club snub over ticket prices amid rivals’ freeze
Arsenal Supporters’ Trust (AST) have been left “extremely disappointed” by the club’s latest decision on ticket prices despite the example set by others.
Ticket prices in the Premier League have been a point of contention this season, and the issue was exacerbated after Jim Ratcliffe announced a mid-season hike for Man United fans.
Meanwhile in February, Man City fans sent a letter to the club, complaining about increased pricing, despite the club making a profit every year from the 2014/15 season onward, barring the Covid-affected season.
Fulham are looking to reduce their overall losses by charging high prices, with some tickets coming being as high as £160 in the club’s new Riverside Stand.
As a response to the rising costs, a national campaign from the FSA (Football Supporters’ Association) was organised, called Stop Exploiting Loyalty.
Arsenal fail to freeze ticket prices despite boom in revenue
A number of Premier League clubs, including Brentford, Wolves, Liverpool and West Ham have confirmed price freezes for next season.
However, despite seeing total revenue leap from £467million, to £616million for the 2023/24 season, Arsenal have decided against freezing ticket prices in the face of clear requests from fan groups.
This has left the AST “very disappointed”, after making it clear they wanted to see the price of both season tickets, and match-day tickets, be frozen in line with the FSA’s campaign.
| Club | Cheapest season ticket available 2024/25 |
| Arsenal | £1,073 |
| Tottenham | £856 |
| Chelsea | £810 |
| Liverpool | £713 |
| Newcastle | £662 |
The AST said in a statement on their website: “The AST was very clear to the club – as were other AAB members – that we were calling for the price of season tickets and matchday tickets to be frozen in line with the national FSA campaign Stop Exploiting Loyalty.
“In recent years Arsenal has seen its revenues increase greatly from both broadcast and commercial activity, while ticketing revenue has also increased as fixture lists have expanded and categorisation has increased. Just this week the club reported a surge in total revenue from £467m to £616m for the 23/24 season.
“It is therefore frustrating that the average price rise is above inflation at 3.7%, with ticket holders in the lower tier facing increases of 5% and in the upper tier 3%. Similar increases will apply to Club Level.
“Premier League clubs including Brentford, Wolves, Liverpool and West Ham have confirmed price freezes for next season. We are extremely disappointed that Arsenal have not replicated this approach.
“We understand that costs are increasing across football – especially for player wages and agent fees – but feel that Arsenal and all Premier League clubs should be making greater efforts to control these pressures rather than relying on supporters to take the strain.”
Recent protests at Tottenham, Man United and Chelsea shows growing disconnect
Football Insider Verdict
The Gunners’ decision to continue hiking ticket prices puts them in line with their rivals, who are showing a similar loyalty to profits over fans.
Tottenham, Man United and Chelsea fans have all protested against their clubs in recent weeks, as the disconnect between clubs and supporters continues to grow.
The FSA, as well as starting their campaign, wrote to the Premier League, asking for a division-wide ticket price freeze, and for improved dialogue between clubs and fans.
Premier League clubs have continued to look towards international fans, and the potential revenue they can bring, over local match-goers who have supported their clubs for years.
Tottenham made a point of not wanting to be called “Tottenham” recently, and whilst many laughed off their request, the underlying tone from the club was that they were more concerned with their international brand, than of being proud of their historic roots in Tottenham.