9 Apr 2008Fans can't afford to take kids

More than one in five football fans claim that the price of tickets stops them taking their children to matches.

New research from Virgin Money shows that 21 per cent find tickets too expensive.

Middlesbrough and Chelsea were named as the clubs most likely to lose a generation of fans to overpriced tickets.

A total of 44 per cent of Boro supporters said that they struggle to take their children with them to matches, while 40 per cent of Chelsea fans are in the same position.

Scott Mowbray from Virgin Money said that clubs have set a dangerous precedent.

"If children aren't going to live games then they won't get the football supporting habit at an early age. The game could lose the next generation or end up with stadiums packed with middle-aged and elderly fans," he warned.

"Clubs have made efforts to reduce ticket prices in an effort to attract more people to match days but a dad - or mum - taking two children to a game is still facing a big bill for a day out.

"There are cheaper ways to entertain the kids than going to football," added Mr Mowbray.

Virgin Money's Football Fans Inflation Index recently revealed that the average British football fan spent £1,080 following their team in 2007.

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