Bilic fears football becoming a sport for the upper classes

Last updated : 12 February 2016 By Footymad

Bilic added the example of a West End show to his argument as he joined his managerial colleagues in hoping the sport can continue to be financially viable to attend.

The issue of ticket prices reared its head last weekend as an estimated 10,000 Liverpool fans staged a walk-out of Anfield during their league match against Sunderland in protest at increases next season which included a new £77 match ticket and the club's first £1,000 season ticket.

England does not stand alone on this front

Some Borussia Dortmund fans expressed their anger over ticket prices by throwing tennis balls onto the pitch during a cup game against Stuttgart on Tuesday.

While Liverpool's owners have since announced a U-turn on the proposed increases, the potential for protests at other clubs remains.

Bilic said: "You have to find a balance, especially in the Premier League you are getting lots of money from TV and sponsorship so the tickets should be a good price for the fans.

"It's not polo, it's not golf, it's not a sport for the upper classes. It's the most popular sport and shouldn't be a privilege for a family to go and watch.

"It should be affordable. If you go to the shop and buy caviar and champagne it's expensive, it should be, but bread and milk is cheap. It should be like that with football.

"I think a balance can be found to keep fans happy. Otherwise we will have empty stadiums. It's not like going to London to see Les Miserables, it's football."

Source: PA