West Ham United blasted by Kieran Maguire for what they’ve done to fans – ‘Indefensible’
Kieran Maguire has criticised West Ham for changing ticket prices for over 65s – even though it has little impact on their finances.
The Hammers’ Independent Supporters’ Committee chair Andy Payne revealed that the club changed their age bracket from over 65 to 66 without notice.
This was done despite only affecting “two coach loads” worth of supporters with limited additional funds raised from the swap.
Speaking on The Price of Football podcast on 6 September, Maguire blasted the Irons and explained why clubs are utilising these ticket pricing strategies.
He said: “West Ham are a quarter of a billion pounds a year business so to nickel and dime people who have been supporting the club is indefensible from a moral and ethical point of view.
“The direction of travel is one way. Clubs are concerned about being able to increase money coming in from TV deals, Sky are effectively signed up for the rest of the decade and it’s flatlining. West Ham have done well at improving their revenues but that has a natural ceiling.
“If you can sell out 62,000 tickets at current prices, you nudge concessions and target fans who moan but pay up so they can do it again. This is not just West Ham.
“I’m not saying that the Premier League has become too popular for its own good but because it has become so popular it has allowed clubs to focus purely on being a money-making industry.”
West Ham criticised for London Stadium ticket pricing
The move to London Stadium was done with a view to improving the fortunes of the Hammers who had struggled in the Premier League for many years.
It can be said that the football has improved with European football being a regular occurrence for the Irons in recent seasons.
Although supporters weren’t best pleased with the style of play under David Moyes, bringing home a Conference League title will be remembered forever.
With Julen Lopetegui now in charge there is plenty of optimism for the season, especially after an excellent transfer window.
As a result of this success and view to the future, the club hierarchy have taken the opportunity to increase ticket prices year on year.
The supporters have become victims of their own club’s success and their wallets are feeling the impact of that.
This isn’t how football should be but unfortunately, in the modern day Premier League it is common practice for every club.
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