Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has directly confronted the backlash from fans following the club’s decision to implement a six per cent increase in season-ticket prices and eliminate senior concessions, actions that triggered disappointment and outcry among supporters.
In response to the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Trust denouncing the changes as “hugely disappointing,” emphasizing the impact on long-standing loyal fans who may now face financial barriers to attending matches, Postecoglou highlighted the importance of having passionate Spurs supporters in the stands.
“The fact that a fan of 30, 40 or 50 years loyal support will now never be able to buy a season ticket at a senior concession rate is disgraceful and unacceptable,” a letter to Premier League chief executive Richard Masters read.
There are fears in the Spurs fanbase that those less affluent could be priced out, with tickets being bought more regularly by “tourists”, or “plastic” fans.
When questioned about the ideal composition of the crowd at matches, Postecoglou emphasized his desire for authentic Spurs fans, stating, “I want Spurs supporters in the stand, mate – I don’t just want anybody in there. I want people who are passionate about the football club. I want the stadium to reflect the attachment that they have.”
Acknowledging the fans’ right to express their discontent and the significance of their voices, Postecoglou affirmed that supporters should have the freedom to articulate their feelings either within the stadium or through other channels.
He emphasized his reluctance to impose restrictions on fan behavior or dictate their responses to contentious decisions such as the pricing adjustments.
Asked if Premier League clubs were targeting foreign fans by increasing prices, Postecoglou on Friday told reporters: “See that’s really harsh.
“I’ll tell you why: Because I’m probably ‘plastic’ and ‘tourist’ because I was coming from the other side of the world really passionate about football and if I could get access to see a Premier League game, that was the world to me.
“This football club has supporters all over the world, has supporters all over the UK that don’t always get access to the games of people who live here.”
In response to concerns that the price hikes could potentially exclude less affluent fans in favor of tourists or so-called “plastic” supporters, Postecoglou challenged the notion that targeting foreign fans through increased pricing was unfair.
Drawing from his personal experience as a passionate football enthusiast hailing from a different part of the world, he defended the diverse global fan base of Premier League clubs, including Tottenham, and highlighted the club’s broad reach and appeal to supporters worldwide.
Postecoglou underscored the inclusivity and significance of engaging fans from diverse backgrounds and geographic locations, emphasizing that the passion for football transcends borders and should be accessible to all who share a deep-rooted connection to the sport, irrespective of their origins.
By advocating for a balanced approach that values the diverse fan base while maintaining a core of devoted supporters, Postecoglou navigated the complexities of fan relations and ticket pricing issues with a focus on inclusivity and appreciation for the club’s widespread support network.