West Ham United have been criticised by supporters for excessive pricing.
The club have recently announced a number of one-off events aimed at supporters. However the excessive prices have ruled out many from being able to take part - a policy that has led to severe criticism from some long-standing fans.Last year Eggert Magnusson, in an interview with KUMB.com, claimed that a survey had shown that the average salary of a regular attendee at the Boleyn Ground was around £60,000.
And it would appear that the new initiatives have been aimed at supporters in that demographic, rather than the many thousands of regular supporters who earn nowhere near that amount.
The club announced their Christmas stadium tours yesterday, aimed specifically at families.
However a family of four - containing two adults and two children - would have to fork out a whopping £111 to take the tour, for just a couple of hours entertainment.
Recently the club announced via whufc.com that supporters would be able to play at the Chadwell Heath training ground - the blurb on the club's website stating that 'Club legend Tony Cottee is offering you the chance to join him for a day of footballing action'.
Yet the club have priced the event at an incredible £8,000, or around £365 per person. This is in stark contrast to past club policy in which supporters were often allowed to play at Chadwell Heath for free, or in charity events.
One (unnamed) season ticket holder said:
"Football in England? Expensive, catering for corporate types. It is about time we as supporters reclaimed the game.
"Don't moan, do something about it."
Ticket prices at the Boleyn are already at a record high, with thousands of long-standing fans already priced out of attending games.
And as the club looks to build a new 60,000 stadium, the links between West Ham United and its traditional supporter-base appear to be eroding further each day.
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