Everyone knows that football in Scotland is overpriced yet there is little evidence that clubs are willing to face the problem. Here are some examples of what's been happening as the SPL season gets underway.
While Motherwell fans were asked for £20 for the opener in Perth it seems that the travelling fan will find that to be a bargain basement price as only St Mirren match it. The common 'away' fee seems to be £22. A quick tour of clubs' websites suggests Motherwell, Kilmarnock, Aberdeen, Hibs and Hamilton will have that figure as the norm in the away end.
It might come as a surprise but Rangers charged the Falkirk fans who visited Ibrox £22.50 for the season opener and concessions (U18 & 65+) were only £6.50. The same prices are listed for the trip Hamilton will make later this month.
Aberdeen asked the visiting Celtic fans for £23 but that included a £1 supplement redeemable for another game at Pittodrie because of the Old Firm levy on selling away tickets. The rumpus which arose when the big two announced the charge seems to have disappeared - do they still make the charge? And if so why have the rest of the SPL meekly submitted?
Celtic have continued to treat visitors with contempt. Here's an extract from the St Johnstone official site ahead of their forthcoming trip to Parkhead. "Prior to receiving the tickets from Celtic FC we were advised that we would receive 758 tickets for St Johnstone supporters with more available if required. However, upon receipt of the tickets it became apparent that there were only 222 tickets with an unrestricted view and 536 with a restricted view, which seems a disproportionate amount of the latter." And they are charging £22/£13 for the restricted view seats!
The prize so far this season is awarded to Hibs. They are asking for £27 when Celtic visit Easter Road. They list an advanced purchase discount of 50p - then add a £1.50 telephone/internet booking fee resulting in a £28 ticket. This is for a game that will be live on E$PN - and folk wonder why attendances at televised matches are poor….