Arsene Wenger claims Arsenal “don’t have a problem” with ticket prices and urges fans against walkout protest
Arsene Wenger has claimed Arsenal do not have a problem with high ticket prices, despite the fact the club sells the most expensive tickets in the country.
Premier League rivals Liverpool backed down over a planned increase in prices after fans walked out of Anfield in protest last week, yet the Arsenal manager urged fans at the Emirates not to take similar action as it could see them miss out on the "happiness" of watching football.
Arsenal supporters' groups have given their backing to Leicester fans' planned boycott of the first five minutes of their game at the Emirates this Sunday in protest at the treatment of away fans by the game's authorities.
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"You have to find a compromise," said Wenger when quizzed at a press conference. "Away fans need to be there, we do our maximum to help away fans. We have specialised people who look at it."
"Our most common ticket price is lower than many places in England. I don't think we have a problem with that."
On the prospect of a potential protest he added: "Football is a moment of happiness in your life, so don't miss it."
Last week Arsenal reneged on plans to add a surcharge to season ticket renewals for fans who attend a home fixture against Barcelona later this month after fans reacted furiously to the measure.
The North London club has frozen season ticket prices for next season, but they are set to remain some of the most expensive in the league with some season tickets priced over £2,000 and a single matchday ticket costing up to £97.
Wenger said that he understood fans' predicament when faced with high prices.
"I see fans as supporters," said the Frenchman. "I think it's like a little bit, you are at home, you use electricity, and you have no choice…They go to a club and they want a fair price."