Arsenal fans are once again voicing their anger after the club confirmed another rise in ticket prices next season, with one supporters group accusing the board of adopting a “US-centric” pricing model.
The increase marks the fifth consecutive season of higher costs to attend the Emirates Stadium, which will come as a huge disappointment to regular match-going fans.
What have the Arsenal Supporters' Trust said about the ticket price increase?
The Arsenal Supporters' Trust have strongly criticised the Gunners' decision to introduce a new top-tier ‘Category A+' ticket band for selected high-profile fixtures.
Under this new structure, some matches – including potential Champions League knockout ties – could see general admission prices rise as high as £168, which would be the most expensive in English football.
Alongside this, season ticket prices will also increase by 3.9%, a move that is set to generate the north Londoners around £6 million in revenue alone.
There's also a new ‘B+' category, meaning Arsenal have increased the number of price bands from three to five in a push for profit.
The AST suggest that the changes reflect a shift in culture at the boardroom level, following the arrival of several representatives from owners Kroenke Sports & Entertainment.
In the statement, they said the approach “follows the American/FIFA model of squeezing more and more from fans,” also warning that prices could further creep up after the club agreed not increase the A+ band for at least two seasons.
FGG says: Arsenal fans being priced out of supporting their team
Five years of consecutive rises – in the region of three and six per cent each time – is a worrying trend if you are an Arsenal fan, as it all continues to add up at the end of the day.
Arsenal may argue that rising costs and sheer demand justify the increases, but loyalty is certainly going to be tested.
If ticket prices continue to climb, then there's a clear danger that the atmosphere and accessibility at the Emirates Stadium could slowly be priced away, all while the Gunners are on top across all competitions this season.