Watching football getting very pricey

The cost of watching football has risen by almost twice the rate of inflation since 2011 and fans of Premier League clubs are now paying almost four times the amount for a season ticket compared to supporters in Germany, according to a new survey.

The BBC Sport Price of Football study shows the average price of the cheapest match-day ticket across all four divisions is £21.49 (€27), up 13% since 2011, compared to a 6.8% increase in the cost of living. The average Premier League season ticket costs £508 (€638) compared to £138 (€173) in the Bundesliga — Bayern Munich fans can pay as little as £109.65 (€137.78), and in Spain Barcelona fans can get a season ticket for just £103.38 (€129.90).

Arsenal is the most expensive club in Europe to watch via a season ticket, ranging from £1,014 (€1,274) to £2,013 (€2,534).

Manchester City have the cheapest season ticket in the Premier League starting at £299 (€376).

The cheapest match-day ticket in the Premier League has risen by 15.8%, 31.7% in League One and 19% in League Two.

Only in the Championship has it dropped — by 3.2%.

Arsenal have dropped their most expensive match-day ticket from £126 (€158) last year to £97 (€122).

Chelsea have the highest-priced cheapest match-day ticket of all the Premier League club’s — prices at Stamford Bridge begin at £50 (€62)

Derby and Sheffield Wednesday both boast £10 (€12.50) match-day tickets — the cheapestin English football and only matched by Southport in the Conference.

The study also shows the average price of the cheapest match-day ticket in Scotland’s football’s top flight has increased by almost 8% since 2011 — from £18.92 (€23.78) to £20.42 (€25.66).