The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust has claimed that high ticket prices are the main contributor to the recent lack of atmosphere at home matches.
After winning the Europa League under the tutelage of Ange Postecoglou last season, Spurs are back in the Champions League at their Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in North London.
However, the Lilywhites have failed to fill the ground in both of their European nights so far this term, with matches against Villarreal and Copenhagen seeing supporter numbers well below capacity.
Following the international break, Thomas Frank's side make the short trip across North London battlelines to face Arsenal at the Emirates on November 23.
“Unaffordable” ticket prices to blame for declining atmosphere
After significant decreases in attendance at the beginning of this term, especially in the Champions League, The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust have released a message to the club.
“Over the last couple of seasons, it's undeniable that the atmosphere has declined at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The reasons are simple – too many empty seats and too many supporters, particularly young supporters, priced out of attending. Thin the crowd and you thin the noise,” said the statement.
“Europa League nights last season, with sensibly-priced tickets, proved the point: fair ticket pricing fills the ground, often with the next generation of Spurs fan and the noise follows.
“This season, the illusion has gone. The Champions League – our flagship nights – has seen thousands of empty seats, in our view due to unrealistic and unaffordable match pricing.
“We're asking the club to make ticketing fair and affordable and encourage the next generation of all match-going fans, so the stands are packed, every match, all season. Fill our home – and we'll find our voice again.”
Assessing the attendance problem
Following their 17th-placed finish in the Premier League last campaign, there was understandable jubilation from Tottenham fans as their side qualified for the Champions League via Europa League glory.
However, that excitement amongst supporters has not translated to their 62,000-seater stadium, which has seen poor attendances for European fixtures.
Just shy of 55,000 people were present for Spurs' narrow success over Villarreal in September, whilst only 49,500 came out for the battering of Copenhagen at the beginning of November.
FGG says: Adjust the prices
Given the size of Tottenham Hotspur as a club, it is baffling to say massive areas of empty seats during Champions League contests.
This is a clear indicator that fans are being priced out of attending matches that are not included on their season ticket.