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Search forPremier pint prices leave a bitter taste
Wednesday, December 03, 2008, 13:00
A survey of the cost of beer at the country's top football teams has revealed a pint at the Britannia Stadium will cost fans less than at most other grounds.
The average price across the Premier League is £3.19 – higher than the average of £3.07 at Premiership rugby union grounds or the £2.84 average charged by rugby league's Super League clubs.
Stoke supporters will have to dig deep when they go to Stamford Bridge, where a pint will set you back £4 – the highest price in the Premier League.
But at the JJB Stadium, Wigan Athletic fans enjoy the cheapest beer, at £2.70 a pint.
The Liberal Democrats, who carried out the research, have accused Premier League clubs of ripping off their fans.
But Stoke supporters say although the cost is higher than the national average of £2.76 a pint, high prices are to be expected.
Dave Harrison, aged 57, is vice-chairman of Stoke City Supporters' Club.
He said: "Fans are being ripped off, there's no doubt about it.
"But the clubs have got a captive audience – it's the same at service stations or theme parks.
"I don't buy any food or drink there because I think it's too expensive, but if people carry on paying those prices, they can't moan."
Fan Zoe Barnes, aged 26, from Penkhull, said: "I don't often get to go to matches because I can't afford the tickets. All the additional costs make it a really expensive day out.
"Stoke drink prices aren't as high as at some clubs but they are still overpriced."
James Skucha, aged 32, from Congleton, is a regular and thinks the price is fair.
He said: "You can pay a lot more at other clubs. I think £3 is fair.
"It's more than it costs in the pub but you expect that."
Liberal Democrat culture, media and sport spokesman Don Foster accused clubs of "profiteering" and urged them to repay fans' loyalty by cutting the cost of beer.
He said: "As if extortionate ticket prices weren't bad enough, top flight football clubs are charging over the odds for a basic pint. This blatant profiteering should not continue to go unnoticed."
PAYING THE PRICE: Stoke City supporter Zoe Barnes enjoys a pie and a pint at last night's Carling Cup match.
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