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David Cameron says rising ticket prices in football are 'a problem'

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Prime Minister David Cameron says something needs to be done to stop clubs raising ticket prices too quickly

Prime Minister David Cameron has told the House of Commons that the Government will look at the rising cost of football tickets.

The issue has been in the news this week after around 10,000 Liverpool fans staged a walk-out in the 77th minute of Saturday's Premier League draw with Sunderland, to protest a planned increase in the price of some tickets to £77 for next season.

Liverpool reacted on Wednesday night by apologising and announcing that they were freezing the majority of amended prices instead.

Liverpool supporters walk out in the 77th minute of a 2-2 draw with Sunderland in a protest against ticket prices
Image: Liverpool supporters headed for the exits in the 77th minute on Saturday

Shadow Sports Minister Clive Efford had earlier raised the issue at Prime Minister's Questions.

And Cameron said: "There is a problem here where some teams, some clubs, put up prices very rapidly every year, even though so much of the money for football actually comes through the sponsorship of the equipment and other sources.

"So I will look very carefully at what the honourable gentleman says."

Premier League clubs last month failed to ratify a proposal to cap prices for away fans at £30 but FSF chairman Malcolm Clarke is hopeful it may now be implemented.

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The Football Supporters' Federation says clubs can well afford to cut costs for fans.

"The proposal to have a £30 cap on away tickets was blocked by a number of clubs but with the publicity and focus on the issue there is now a groundswell of support for change," he said.

"When the clubs meet again to discuss the issue, hopefully it will get the required level of support.

"It won't necessarily be as much as we want, but at least a £30 cap on away prices would be a good start."

Players remove tennis balls thrown by Dortmund fans from the pitch
Image: Players remove tennis balls thrown by Dortmund fans during the match against Stuttgart

The issue of ticket costs is currently making headlines across Europe and on Tuesday night Borussia Dortmund supporters threw tennis balls onto the pitch during their German Cup match against Stuttgart to protest against rising prices for away fans.

Germany-based Football Supporters Europe has urged supporters from different countries to unite in co-ordinated campaigns which they hope will prove a catalyst for change.

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