In a bold move it was MUST (Manchester United Supporters Trust) that put a letter forward to Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe demanding that they intervene after spiraling ticket prices have MUST up in arms.
Gerry Sutcliffe a United supporter, irritated Alex Ferguson when he told reporters that the cost of admission to Old Trafford was keeping their life long supporters at home in stead of at the ground where it mattered. Sir Alex Ferguson responded by telling Gerry to and watch FC United. The Unibond league was started by United Fansa after they were so upset by the take over by Malcom Glazer as well as the price of tickets then. Sir Alex also pointed out that both Chelsea and Arsenal are asking more for admission than United and that he should start there.
“We believe the time has come for government to intervene over ticket prices. Club owners have been given ample time to put their own house in order and bring prices under control and yet price increases have actually accelerated to unprecedented levels. This has created hardship for many long-term supporters (as well as potential new fans) who have given loyalty to their club for so many years only to be rewarded with an ultimatum to pay up or be replaced by someone else who can. We understand that the Government sees intervention as the last resort but we believe that the case for such intervention is now overwhelming.” said MUST chief executive, Duncan Drasdo.
“Like any other market where a business has a monopoly or dominant position the solution to protect the consumer is to apply regulation,” continued Drasdo. “We believe that consumers (supporters) are clearly being exploited and that the only solution is regulation of both prices and the terms and conditions. “With your (Sutcliffe’s) previous experience at the Department of Trade and Industry as Minister for Competition and Consumer Affairs you must surely be uniquely well placed to argue the case for such regulation and strike a historic blow for the ordinary football supporter.”
