West Ham United attacked after ‘Outrageous’ Monday announcement
West Ham have been slammed by Guardian journalist Jacob Steinberg after announcing the ticket sale arrangements for the 21 September clash against Chelsea.
In the discounted window for Clarets members, the Hammers announced on 12 August that even under-18s’ tickets will cost £50 and in general sale, the top-end one is worth £120.
This has undoubtedly not gone down well among supporters and Steinberg as well, who has given his verdict on the matchday experience at the London Stadium.
Steinberg wrote on X: “More outrageous pricing from West Ham. The obstacle this places in front of taking your children is huge, but who cares about families and the next generation of fans when you can fill the ground with one-off attendees who will happily pay the price to see a game?
“Pretty sure most parents would say paying at least £50 for a small child is absurd. I could take my 5yo to the Aston Villa game on Saturday but I know there’s every chance he’ll want to leave early if West Ham are losing (imagine such a thing). But if you’ve paid £100?!
“He likes the idea of football – convinced that Bowen is the world’s greatest but does respect Palmer – and loves being there but he’s too young to really get it. Too young to accept his team not winning. Needs a load of snacks to get through it. Easier just to watch at home.
“Throw in the fact that the London Stadium really isn’t a very good ground for football, especially for a kid. Far from the action, not a great view in most places, atmosphere broken up. Club should be working hard to bring young fans to that place.”
West Ham fans have every right to be disgusted with this development
Fans have every right to be fuming over the club’s ticket pricing for the Chelsea match.
Charging £50 for an under-18 ticket and up to £120 for an adult ticket during general sale is exorbitant and places an unreasonable financial burden on families and young fans.
This pricing strategy prioritises profit over accessibility and the cultivation of a new generation of supporters.
The London Stadium, despite its grandeur, is not conducive to an enjoyable matchday experience for many fans, especially children.
Its vast size and lack of intimacy can make it difficult for young fans to engage with the game and feel connected to the club.
The club should be working to make the stadium more family-friendly and accessible, rather than pricing out young fans and families.
The introduction of an independent regulator could help prevent such excessive ticket pricing.
The regulator could set guidelines and enforce fair pricing practices, ensuring that clubs prioritise accessibility and the long-term growth of their fanbase over short-term financial gains.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have now sanctioned the exits of three first-team players after a transfer development over the weekend.
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