Fans' group calls for an inquiry into rising ticket costs

A leading fans' group today urged the Government to clamp down on the soaring cost of football season tickets.

The call comes as a Standard Sport investigation reveals that seven of London's 14 league clubs have raised prices for next season.

The increases, which are as high as 36 per cent at Queens Park Rangers, have outraged many supporters.

As a result, the national body which represents their interests want the Office of Fair Trading - the Government department for protecting consumers - to launch an investigation.

Steven Powell, director of policy and campaigns at the Football Supporters Federation, said: "There is no excuse at a time when the game is awash with money. I would be very happy to see an inquiry from the Office of Fair Trading into ticket pricing. It is about time this outrageous exploitation was stopped. It is an abuse of a dominant position in the market and not a necessity.

"In Germany, you can go and watch Schalke 04 - who were third in the Bundesliga - for 11 euros to stand and 15 euros for a seat. I am hacked off with our fans being treated as mugs by clubs. We have got two choices for our national game - either wake up in 10 years' time and ask why all the empty seats, or get a grip now."