FOOTBALL fans are showing the red card to following their teams due to the cost of living crisis.
Almost half (48%) of UK fans have cut down on the money they spend supporting their team according to new national research.
The study, by pub company and brewer Greene King, found that almost two-thirds of fans (62%) are attending fewer matches to keep costs down.
More than two-in-five (42%) cash-conscious football supporters are buying less merchandise and a third (33%) are opting to only attend away games close to where they live to avoid overspending.
Despite the costs, Brits’ commitment to travelling to watch their club hasn’t waned, with more than a third (36%) of fans willing to spend at least four hours on the road to see their side play away from home, while as many as one in 10 (8%) say they’ll travel for as long as it takes to support their team.
To help fans out with matchday costs, Greene King has launched a national competition to find the most committed fans, giving them the chance to win an all-expenses paid, Ultimate Away Day experience.
A supporter of both a women’s and men’s football side will be chosen, with both winners claiming £2,000 worth of Greene King vouchers each and VIP travel to a sport pub of their choice for one matchday.
Michelle West, head of marketing for Greene King Sport said: “Watching football is a huge passion for so many people and it’s remarkable to see the lengths people will go to and the money they spend to support their team.
To enter, fans need to visit https://www.greeneking.co.uk/competitions/ultimate-away-day, fill out their details and say why they are the ultimate football fan. The closing date is Sunday, October 22, with the winner chosen on Tuesday, October 24.
