- Price freezing confirmed for season tickets
- Fan voice heard, but there’s more to be done
- Football’s financial boom is not a fan issue
Crystal Palace have taken the decision to freeze season ticket prices ahead of the 2026/27 season, a move which recognises the loyalty of the fans and reiterates Palace’s focus as a club. As the price of football continues to inflate, this move is a positive one from the club, who could have followed suit with other sides who have raised prices each year.
During Palace’s 3-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield, the home fans protested against the club’s ownership who confirmed that ticket prices would continue to rise across the next few seasons. This trend has been followed by the majority of Premier League clubs, as the sport continues to step away from the average fan.
Palace’s Off Pitch Actions
There has been heavy criticism towards Palace in relation to matchday experience for fans at Selhurst Park. New flag wavers have received grumbling responses, whilst the choice of pre match music has also been shunned by fans.
The atmosphere at Selhurst Park, once regarded as one of the very best in the land, has taken a hugely noticeable dip in recent seasons.
CEO Sharon Lacey has received consistently negative feedback since her return to the club, with fans questioning certain decisions regarding the production of matchdays on social media.
After home wins, fans have not been able to create an atmosphere and celebrate as they are drowned out by music, and the same can be said for pre-game atmosphere too.
A request from fans to avoid pre-match music in the short period before kick off to allow the stadium to liven up ahead of European games was turned down due to ‘UEFA regulations’. However, in numerous away games on the continent, fans have reported that other clubs are not blasting Top Of the Pops and instead encouraging atmosphere to develop.
Price Freezing a Redeeming Factor
Whilst those complaints are all valid, and should be addressed and solved, the biggest issue that the modern game faces is rising costs. These increases are risking fan loyalty and longevity, pushing people away as the cost of living continues to rise outside of football.
Ticket prices should not be inflated, ever, in my opinion. The increasing costs of running clubs should fall upon the millionaire and billionaire owners, not the average fan.
Transfer fees have seen a huge and rapid increase in the last few seasons. Average Premier League footballers are now being signed for £20 million pounds, where they were once £5-£10 million. Again, this is not a reason to raise the costs of attending games for fans.
Therefore, Palace should be praised for this decision, however much it may seem like the bare minimum.
Fans will need to continue to voice their views and opposition to rising costs, and clubs should continue to listen to these requests, and the governing bodies have a duty of care to respond accordingly.
