Football costs increase as fans travel far and wide
Published On 30 January 2007
Football costs have been increasing as fans travel far and wide in support of their team, it had been found.Virgin Money said that although the costs of match tickets, football merchandise and UK travel have all risen, loyal fans are travelling further than ever.
Last year supporters together clocked up a total mileage of nine billion miles – enough for one adventurous fan to travel to Jupiter and back twelve times, according to Virgin money.
The average football fan travelled 1,264 in 2006, with seven per cent of supporters racketing up more than 5,000 miles.
Meanwhile, according to Virgin's price index the costs of goods necessary to the determined supporter – petrol or train tickets, match tickets, food, replica shirts and alcohol - have all risen.
John Franklin of Virgin Money said: "English football fans' loyalty is legendary and this demonstrates the extent to which some will go to follow their teams."
He added: "Unfortunately … if all the associated costs of being a fan continue to rise, sadly many will have to stay at home and plump for the television highlights."
Portsmouth and Middlesbrough fans were the most travelled last year: 45 per cent of supporters from each team had covered more than 5,000 miles in the pursuit of footballing glory.
