Sunderland supporters have hit out at Chelsea after being told they must pay £50 to attend the match at Stamford Bridge just before Christmas.
Chelsea host Sunderland on December 19 and adult prices for the away end are £47 and £50.
Martyn McFadden, editor of Sunderland fanzine A Love Supreme, said: “It’s a disgrace. I’m sure Chelsea have been charging £50 for years now and something must be done.
“It says a lot about the state of the game when a Russian billionaire is making it really hard to see my team. The big clubs who can sell out their grounds don’t care about away fans.”
The Football Supporters’ Federation (FSF) believe Sunderland’s following have good cause for complaint. A spokesman said: “Away fans are some of the most important — they drive the atmosphere and their loyalty shouldn’t be taken for granted.
Chelsea - January transfer targets gallery
“But all too often clubs exploit that loyalty — £50 plus associated travel costs over Christmas is too much.”
The price of tickets has been a cause of complaint for fans but, speaking last night, Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore doesn’t think supporters are being ripped off.
He said: “People can afford to see the occasional game because the unit price isn’t always at the highest level.”
