As many as one-in-five fans of English clubs have been forced to go into debt in order to follow their team, it has been revealed.
According to new research carried out by Football Fans Census and Virgin Money, with the cost of being a follower of a top-flight team having risen by 15 per cent over the past year alone, the typical supporter now borrows an average of £682 to support their passion.
Notably, one in five of those who have gone into the red are between £1,000 and £2,500 in debt, with the study also showing that supporting a major team can often come with a higher price tag than supporting a smaller club.
Indeed, the research found Arsenal fans to be the most in debt, with the average indebted Gooner borrowing £1,284 to support their team, while over at Old Trafford, this figure was found to be £1,231.
Commenting, Virgin Money spokesman Grant Bather said that most fans can "ill afford" the rising costs associated with the modern game.
He added, however: "For many fans, supporting their club is non-negotiable so even in a recession they will find the money to ensure they are in the stands next season, even if that means being in debt."
Taking into account the current economic climate, Blackburn recently cut the price of their season tickets to just £199 for the current campaign.
Written by Terry Mitchell
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21 October 2010
21 October 2010
21 October 2010
20 October 2010
20 October 2010
