Rangers spark outrage with £50 tickets

Last updated : 19 September 2008 By Simon Davies
It's incredible and just ludicrous to expect people to pay such amounts.

Derby County have refused to accept the tickets sent to Pride Park for upcoming game at Loftus Rd. The Rams thought tickets would be £30.00 and £20 for concessions but they are £10 more expensive.

The Football League are ruling on the matter today.

Spokesman Matt McCann told BBC Radio Derby: "We think it's too high. We have stood our ground and QPR have exercised their right to appeal to the League."

The Q.P.R. Supporters Trust, QPR 1st, said

"The decision is unjustified and will have a serious effect on the relationship between the club and its supporters.

"We regret to say that the club's action is consistent with its policy towards the pricing of season tickets, which was also dealt with in an insensitive and brash manner.

"The board of directors claims to take pride in QPR as a family club whilst expanding a prohibitive pricing structure that will fail to encourage families and young supporters to the club.

"In view of calls for protests from other supporters groups and on messageboards, we will be canvassing our members to find out whether there is majority support for the trust formally participating in such action."

Q.P.R. have also had a say.

In a statement to BBC London 94.9, the club said: "Since the takeover, the club has had massive investment, for both on and off the pitch activities.

"The board has considered it a necessity to increase match-day prices to maintain budgets previously set.

"We are totally committed to building a sound financial base for the future."

The statement continued: "Our ultimate goal at Queens Park Rangers is to reach the Premier League and to compete with some of the biggest club's in the country, and in time, across Europe.

"100% of all matchday profits will continue to be ploughed back into the club, allowing us to continue our policy of attracting some of the most exciting, young players from these shores and across Europe to QPR."

And despite objections from fans and other Championship clubs, Rangers believe they are offering value for money.

"We've looked at prices both in the Championship and the Premier League and we believe we're providing a good entertainment product," the statement added.

"The base price has not changed. You can still get a ticket at QPR for £20, but we're making an effort to maximise our revenue for the best views in the house.

"Children under the age of eight will continue to be able to purchase matchday tickets in certain areas of the ground free of charge, while concessions will continue to receive substantial discounts."