Did Al-Fayed ever rip off the fans with ticket prices?

[perry geyton]

If you don't wanna pay then sneak in

I've always had this policy with gigs, football matches etc.

Where there's a will there's a way

[ffc73]

My concession season ticket this season for the JH stand was increased to about £20 per match. I thought that was reasonable for premier league football. Hard to see how I am now being asked to pay £25 plus postage etc. for a FA CUP 5th round tie.

If you can, download the ticket & print it yourself to save the postage.

To borrow a phrase, every little helps.

Yes, I know. Paper, ink, electric but I've paid for that already.

[General]

Looks like this is starting to annoy a host of fans on a regular basis, some people genuinely seething... Whoever is responsible for setting the prices for the tickets this season has got it horribly wrong and should do a major about turn or get fired.

To think, for a cup game that's televised, they should be charging £40 is atrocious behaviour by the club and it looks like people so far are actively staying away in protest.

https://twitter.com/ormondroyd/status/1625439661068808192/photo/1

[General]

https://twitter.com/ormondroyd/status/1625440070193782785

[Samjack]

In general the Khans are good owners. However, they are definitely not when it comes to ticket prices. I think most British fans think that football should be for everyone, it is traditionally a working class game and so you shouldn't price out loyal supporters. I get the distinct impression with the Khans that they are purely American businessmen who couldn't care less if a seat is taken by an away fan, corporate hospitality, a tourist or a loyal fan who has watched us in all four divisions. For them selling tickets is purely a business transaction and as long as there are bums on seats they couldn't care less who it was.

[Ruislip White]

i guess it comes to what people see as ' ripping people off ' i have started to get slightly frustrated with the constant attack from ' loyal fans' online  ( mainly fb groups and twitter ) who say they can't afford tickets and they have always been going to games.

However, clearly not. Our gates in the championship show that we were hardly ever selling out and being thousands below our capacity, plus i remember being at some games and seeing an abundance of empty seats.

It seems to me, alot of these loyal fans who complain should be called ' loyal fans when we get into the premier league'.

HOWEVER, i do think that those who can prove they have been to x-amount of games in the space of x amount of years should get a good value ticket. If you were with us vs millwall etc then you should be with us vs United, and not paying 100 pound for the pleasure.

For those who didn't go to our games when we were in the championship or struggling and are now kicking off they cant get a ticket..... tough luck.

Good post.  Fair perspective.

[RaySmith]

In general the Khans are good owners. However, they are definitely not when it comes to ticket prices. I think most British fans think that football should be for everyone, it is traditionally a working class game and so you shouldn't price out loyal supporters. I get the distinct impression with the Khans that they are purely American businessmen who couldn't care less if a seat is taken by an away fan, corporate hospitality, a tourist or a loyal fan who has watched us in all four divisions. For them selling tickets is purely a business transaction and as long as there are bums on seats they couldn't care less who it was.

They probably feel that he older traditional fans are being replaced by younger, better off fans, often  not from London, but here for work, and Fulham is a club they want to support because of it's  safe, family image, and they have the cash to pay  these ticket prices.

I think they do think of the fans, but they are businessmen too, that's why they have the money to invest in a Prem club in this country - and that's a lot of money if you want to succeed at all.

It's market forces, and if not enough bought the tickets, the price would  soon come down.  While we are successful, we will attract crowds, as a elite London club, with a lot going for it for the casual and not so casual  fan, whatever the  ticket prices.

That's the game in this country, all based on money - to compete you have to send a massive amounts on players and wages, build stadiums to attract the types of fans who want to see these highly paid, élite, players, and thus the ticket prices.
The time of football as a cheap working-class entertainment, that I remember, has long gone - even the cheapest Fulham tickets are  hard for me to afford.

At least Fulham is still going, competing at the top level, because of firstly MAF, then the Khans, who seem to have safeguarded his legacy - a good choice by him.

[The Rational Fan]

When you look at what players are being paid high prices are not surprising. The new stand has to be paid for somehow. So let's just put it into proportion a little bit. While fans flock to the ground there is little reason not to put prices up

So your philosophy is to bite the hand that feeds you.

Now we are in the Premier League people that are Investment Bankers, Currency Traders, Lawyers, Surgeons, and Entrepreneurs want to see us. London is filled with Bankers and has plenty of people in the other categories, the ticket prices are incredibly cheap for such people, and will pay whomever/whatever to get a seat.

[Woolly Mammoth]

When you look at what players are being paid high prices are not surprising. The new stand has to be paid for somehow. So let's just put it into proportion a little bit. While fans flock to the ground there is little reason not to put prices up

So your philosophy is to bite the hand that feeds you.

Now we are in the Premier League people that are Investment Bankers, Currency Traders, Lawyers, Surgeons, and Entrepreneurs want to see us. London is filled with Bankers and has plenty of people in the other categories, the ticket prices are incredibly cheap for such people, and will pay whomever/whatever to get a seat.

It is very sad and disappointing to read your comments. You are completely detached from reality.

You are talking about the plastic fans who are jumping on the bandwagon whilst Fulham are doing well in the Premier League.
Where were they when we were hosting York City, Lincoln City, Southend and Cambridge Utd to name but a few.
If and when Fulham go through a bad patch or get relegated, these same plastic fans Bankers, Traders and hangers on will jump ship as quickly as they came, and find another club who suits their needs.

Yet the real fans the loyal regulars through thick and thin who spend their hard earned money with a limited budget will still be there supporting the team no matter what.
The die hards who you prefer to see fleeced and out-priced.
These loyal fans are the life blood of the club, the glue that keeps the club and support together.

Never bite the hand that feeds you and certainly not the people who will always be there for Fulham.
Not your fly by night's glory hunters sipping their Gin & Tonics.

HE WHO FEEDS THE CROCODILE THE MOST DOES SO IN THE HOPE HE WILL BE THE LAST TO BE EATEN.

[The Rational Fan]

When you look at what players are being paid high prices are not surprising. The new stand has to be paid for somehow. So let's just put it into proportion a little bit. While fans flock to the ground there is little reason not to put prices up

So your philosophy is to bite the hand that feeds you.

Now we are in the Premier League people that are Investment Bankers, Currency Traders, Lawyers, Surgeons, and Entrepreneurs want to see us. London is filled with Bankers and has plenty of people in the other categories, the ticket prices are incredibly cheap for such people, and will pay whomever/whatever to get a seat.

It is very sad and disappointing to read your comments. You are completely detached from reality.

You are talking about the plastic fans who are jumping on the bandwagon whilst Fulham are doing well in the Premier League.
Where were they when we were hosting York City, Lincoln City, Southend and Cambridge Utd to name but a few.
If and when Fulham go through a bad patch or get relegated, these same plastic fans Bankers, Traders and hangers on will jump ship as quickly as they came, and find another club who suits their needs.

Yet the real fans the loyal regulars through thick and thin who spend their hard earned money with a limited budget will still be there supporting the team no matter what.
The die hards who you prefer to see fleeced and out-priced.
These loyal fans are the life blood of the club, the glue that keeps the club and support together.

Never bite the hand that feeds you and certainly not the people who will always be there for Fulham.
Not your fly by night's glory hunters sipping their Gin & Tonics.

HE WHO FEEDS THE CROCODILE THE MOST DOES SO IN THE HOPE HE WILL BE THE LAST TO BE EATEN.

Fulham should be concerned about supporting its loyal fans how watched games like Fulham vs Cardiff City on 19 December 1995, but how many loyal fans are there because gate attendance for that game was 2,284 including Cardiff fans. In addition, no League game in 94/95 exceeded 6,195 people (plus that was vs a London team), and no league game in 95/96 exceeded 5,617 people.

[Woolly Mammoth]

When you look at what players are being paid high prices are not surprising. The new stand has to be paid for somehow. So let's just put it into proportion a little bit. While fans flock to the ground there is little reason not to put prices up

So your philosophy is to bite the hand that feeds you.

Now we are in the Premier League people that are Investment Bankers, Currency Traders, Lawyers, Surgeons, and Entrepreneurs want to see us. London is filled with Bankers and has plenty of people in the other categories, the ticket prices are incredibly cheap for such people, and will pay whomever/whatever to get a seat.

It is very sad and disappointing to read your comments. You are completely detached from reality.

You are talking about the plastic fans who are jumping on the bandwagon whilst Fulham are doing well in the Premier League.
Where were they when we were hosting York City, Lincoln City, Southend and Cambridge Utd to name but a few.
If and when Fulham go through a bad patch or get relegated, these same plastic fans Bankers, Traders and hangers on will jump ship as quickly as they came, and find another club who suits their needs.

Yet the real fans the loyal regulars through thick and thin who spend their hard earned money with a limited budget will still be there supporting the team no matter what.
The die hards who you prefer to see fleeced and out-priced.
These loyal fans are the life blood of the club, the glue that keeps the club and support together.

Never bite the hand that feeds you and certainly not the people who will always be there for Fulham.
Not your fly by night's glory hunters sipping their Gin & Tonics.

HE WHO FEEDS THE CROCODILE THE MOST DOES SO IN THE HOPE HE WILL BE THE LAST TO BE EATEN.

Fulham should be concerned about supporting its loyal fans how watched games like Fulham vs Cardiff City on 19 December 1995, but how many loyal fans are there because gate attendance for that game was 2,284 including Cardiff fans. In addition, no League game in 94/95 exceeded 6,195 people (plus that was vs a London team), and no league game in 95/96 exceeded 5,617 people.

Wow. i've heard it all now, that is astonishing and breathtaking, it is not of this earth.
I must write this post of yours down and read it at night before going to bed.
Much better than taking a sleeping tablet.
The NHS could take it up too, as a recognised cure for insomnia. 💤💤💤💤💤💤

[The Rational Fan]

When you look at what players are being paid high prices are not surprising. The new stand has to be paid for somehow. So let's just put it into proportion a little bit. While fans flock to the ground there is little reason not to put prices up

So your philosophy is to bite the hand that feeds you.

Now we are in the Premier League people that are Investment Bankers, Currency Traders, Lawyers, Surgeons, and Entrepreneurs want to see us. London is filled with Bankers and has plenty of people in the other categories, the ticket prices are incredibly cheap for such people, and will pay whomever/whatever to get a seat.

It is very sad and disappointing to read your comments. You are completely detached from reality.

You are talking about the plastic fans who are jumping on the bandwagon whilst Fulham are doing well in the Premier League.
Where were they when we were hosting York City, Lincoln City, Southend and Cambridge Utd to name but a few.
If and when Fulham go through a bad patch or get relegated, these same plastic fans Bankers, Traders and hangers on will jump ship as quickly as they came, and find another club who suits their needs.

Yet the real fans the loyal regulars through thick and thin who spend their hard earned money with a limited budget will still be there supporting the team no matter what.
The die hards who you prefer to see fleeced and out-priced.
These loyal fans are the life blood of the club, the glue that keeps the club and support together.

Never bite the hand that feeds you and certainly not the people who will always be there for Fulham.
Not your fly by night's glory hunters sipping their Gin & Tonics.

HE WHO FEEDS THE CROCODILE THE MOST DOES SO IN THE HOPE HE WILL BE THE LAST TO BE EATEN.

Fulham should be concerned about supporting its loyal fans how watched games like Fulham vs Cardiff City on 19 December 1995, but how many loyal fans are there because gate attendance for that game was 2,284 including Cardiff fans. In addition, no League game in 94/95 exceeded 6,195 people (plus that was vs a London team), and no league game in 95/96 exceeded 5,617 people.

Wow. i've heard it all now, that is astonishing and breathtaking, it is not of this earth.
I must write this post of yours down and read it at night before going to bed.
Much better than taking a sleeping tablet.
The NHS could take it up too, as a recognised cure for insomnia. 💤💤💤💤💤💤

Don't shoot the messenger, I have been to many games with less than 5000 people with a lot of them being away fans in the times before MAF. I am a loyal fan that has supported the club in every division, but we are dying out at every Club including Manchester United with kids of ManU fans support ManCity. If we aren't challenging for premier league promotion or in the premier league, half the fans will go. If we are mid-table in League One, the stadium will be pretty empty with not too many willing to pay £15m for a League One game. Reality is harsh, loyal fans aren't valued by clubs but they are a small part of the fan base.

[Holders]

The ticket prices are just an inevitable consequence of the whole money orientation of the game nowadays. For better or worse it's  not the game most of us grew up with. It's not a game of hard graft with heavy boots on a muddy quagmire with a bloke with a flat cap flogging chestnuts any more, it's trying to become a whole entertainment. What next,
majorettes (again!). The thread  on Les Barrett feeds into this. 

[Woolly Mammoth]

When you look at what players are being paid high prices are not surprising. The new stand has to be paid for somehow. So let's just put it into proportion a little bit. While fans flock to the ground there is little reason not to put prices up

So your philosophy is to bite the hand that feeds you.

Now we are in the Premier League people that are Investment Bankers, Currency Traders, Lawyers, Surgeons, and Entrepreneurs want to see us. London is filled with Bankers and has plenty of people in the other categories, the ticket prices are incredibly cheap for such people, and will pay whomever/whatever to get a seat.

It is very sad and disappointing to read your comments. You are completely detached from reality.

You are talking about the plastic fans who are jumping on the bandwagon whilst Fulham are doing well in the Premier League.
Where were they when we were hosting York City, Lincoln City, Southend and Cambridge Utd to name but a few.
If and when Fulham go through a bad patch or get relegated, these same plastic fans Bankers, Traders and hangers on will jump ship as quickly as they came, and find another club who suits their needs.

Yet the real fans the loyal regulars through thick and thin who spend their hard earned money with a limited budget will still be there supporting the team no matter what.
The die hards who you prefer to see fleeced and out-priced.
These loyal fans are the life blood of the club, the glue that keeps the club and support together.

Never bite the hand that feeds you and certainly not the people who will always be there for Fulham.
Not your fly by night's glory hunters sipping their Gin & Tonics.

HE WHO FEEDS THE CROCODILE THE MOST DOES SO IN THE HOPE HE WILL BE THE LAST TO BE EATEN.

Fulham should be concerned about supporting its loyal fans how watched games like Fulham vs Cardiff City on 19 December 1995, but how many loyal fans are there because gate attendance for that game was 2,284 including Cardiff fans. In addition, no League game in 94/95 exceeded 6,195 people (plus that was vs a London team), and no league game in 95/96 exceeded 5,617 people.

Wow. i've heard it all now, that is astonishing and breathtaking, it is not of this earth.
I must write this post of yours down and read it at night before going to bed.
Much better than taking a sleeping tablet.
The NHS could take it up too, as a recognised cure for insomnia. 💤💤💤💤💤💤

Don't shoot the messenger, I have been to many games with less than 5000 people with a lot of them being away fans in the times before MAF. I am a loyal fan that has supported the club in every division, but we are dying out at every Club including Manchester United with kids of ManU fans support ManCity. If we aren't challenging for premier league promotion or in the premier league, half the fans will go. If we are mid-table in League One, the stadium will be pretty empty with not too many willing to pay £15m for a League One game. Reality is harsh, loyal fans aren't valued by clubs but they are a small part of the fan base.

I cannot see you winning many Trophies in the football fraternity for empathy.
I am certainly not questioning your support for mighty Fulham just your judgment on this particular issue.
I am sure you noted that during the pandemic when the football was played in empty stadiums how eery and bereft of any atmosphere around these stadiums was felt.
Would you like that to happen again for different reasons.
So be careful what you wish for because near empty or half empty stadiums could happen again for those reasons and your privileged floating supporters would not be seen for burning rubber.

Don't shoot the messenger you may ask, but you have already done that yourself by not only shooting yourself in the foot, you have actually blown it off completely.
As the messenger your defence of the indefensible deduces that you SHOULD be shot then buried, then dug up and shot again.
You have to remember that when your house is on fire you do not reach for the petrol can.
Your argument is not the reasons of a Rational Man.
It equates to giving your dog a treat after he's pooed on your slippers.

[cookieg]

My uncle was priced out of going to Fulham 20 odd years ago. I used to buy his season ticket and he would pay me as and when he went but eventually decided he couldn't make it work and didn't want me to keep paying for him not that it was a problem.

People getting priced out of the game is nothing new and certainly not just under SK. Prices in everything go up all the time it's just how it is and decisions have to be made. I'm sure at some stage I will need to decide if I can still afford to go but at the moment mine and my kids season tickets are very reasonably priced and if they are subsidised by those paying £100 in the Riverside fantastic. Having been a season ticket holder for god knows how many years I'm enjoying heap PL football.

And as has been mentioned, last season for mid week games on a cold night I regularly had a row of seats to myself and the kids. Where were all these loyal supporters then?

[Caedal]

Personally I dont think £40 for a 5th round FA cup tie against premier league opposition is as bad as people are making out.

[Fulham Tup North]

Personally I dont think £40 for a 5th round FA cup tie against premier league opposition is as bad as people are making out.

...and you are entitled to your view..  but with the match being on BBC1 do you not think it would make more sense to charge £20 and fill the place?
I went to Hull in the 1st round...£10 a ticket and Sunderland away... £15 a ticket... yes both opposition were Championship,  but let's be honest Leeds will be in there next season... if it was v Man City or Arsenal you might be able to argue 'value for money'.... but not v Leeds.... I paid £60 to watch us at home v Everton for a Premier League game and didn't complain... that's the price for success... but this just seems ill judged ....
Of course we will know if the club got it's policy spot-on when we see the crowd on the night... I'm sure the caterers would rather have a full stadium too...
But for me I shall be an armchair viewer that night... but still shouting and cheering as loud as when I am there...
COYW   👍⚽️

[StuinSalop]

Firstly let me say that in my opinion Fulham have got this wrong and tickets should have been something like £20 Hammersmith end, £25 JHS, £40 Riverside.

Let's however put it into perspective, the above pricing is similar to what you would pay for Shrewsbury v Forest Green and this being a big cup game v Premier League opposition which puts it into a different bracket.

The question comes down to who do you want to attract?  One of tourist types or your loyal fan base, or even potentially new fans, this where I think Fulham have got this wrong.  I would try and attract younger fans by offering a special kids discount in the Johnny Haynes, £30 for adults and £15 for under 16's.  Get your loyal noisy fans in the Hammersmith end, £20 for adults and £15 for 25 and under.

So what is going wrong.  Anyone who thinks the khans are making up ticket prices are deluded.  It's probably something like the person who is responsible for increasing revenue, having an objective to increase turn over from the sale of tickets, this objective is probably from Mackintosh.  He or she will have done some calculations like if I charge £40 and over half fill the ground I get more revenue than charging £20 and filling the place.  Maybe they don't factor in add-ones like food and drink.

Fulham are looking at short term gains at the expense of long term and that strategy and direction will be probably from Mackintosh who is the one to attack over this.   It's clearly wrong and needs to be called out.

[Twig]

I've got my ticket and being over 65 I only paid £20 which I regard as perfectly reasonable.  Hwever I'm concerned that there will be many empty seats because with the match being on free to air TV not too many supporters will be prepared to pay £40. The place may well be ful of OAP's!
I do think they've got this one wrong as I think they've got the Riverside pricing wrong.  Centre sections under cover £100 is probably fine but the front rows and left & right sections should have been around £75.

[Roberty]

So what is going wrong.  Anyone who thinks the khans are making up ticket prices are deluded.  It's probably something like the person who is responsible for increasing revenue, having an objective to increase turn over from the sale of tickets, this objective is probably from Mackintosh.  He or she will have done some calculations like if I charge £40 and over half fill the ground I get more revenue than charging £20 and filling the place.  Maybe they don't factor in add-ones like food and drink.

Fulham are looking at short term gains at the expense of long term and that strategy and direction will be probably from Mackintosh who is the one to attack over this.   It's clearly wrong and needs to be called out.

It's a business and they can charge what they like - though I would be sure it is the management and not the owners who set the prices. They have to maximise the income and as has been said, that it not always achieved by selling more seats.

We do all though seem to be happy to pay for a beer and a pie either on the way to or from the ground or at the cottage itself. Without complaining on here about how much they have gone up since the Egyptian sold the club.

On the brightside; the Khan family put more money into the running of the club than we do every year, but that amount is limited by FFP or the operating profit.

Given their addition investment - beyond the FFP allowance, which I think is maxed out most seasons - on the new training ground development and Riverside Stand - Mr Khan cannot be described as stingy and I do believe he is proud of our club.