The cost of football, is it really worth it?

With unemployment rising, inflation rising and salaries being frozen, it still surprises many that football appears to be unaffected by the economic crisis that still looms large over England.

This week figures released showed that clubs across the country were making some efforts to reduce the cost of a matchday, however ticket prices were still the highest across Europe.

Season ticket prices in England did rise by nearly 4%, however matchday ticket prices did show a drop in price, but was it enough?

Many fans will be grateful for the small drop in price, however Supporters Federation Chairman Malcolm Clarke said enough wasn't done:

"The Premier League has had an eye-watering increase in its media income. For example, they could knock £50 off the price of every single ticket of every single game for every single spectator in the Premier League this season and still have the same amount of money as they previously had.

"Our message to the Premier League is 'you have huge money, you have done a bit but you can do much more'." he added.

Of course this year saw the start of a new mega-billion TV deal between media partners and the Premier League. The deal, believed to be worth around £3 Billion is the largest in Premier League history, however hasn't forced the change in ticket prices some fans thought it might.

In Southampton, some fans thought the price of football was too high and the game was moving away from supporters and closer to businesses and media.

Jack, 21 said: "The Premier League should force a cap on what teams can charge, the fans are suffering while clubs continue to spend crazy money on transfers. It is not fair."

This summer saw English clubs spend over £600 Million between them as they made the most of the new TV deal payments.

Despite many fans feeling they are charged too much for 90 minutes of football, some fans are only too happy to pay whatever to see their side. 45 year old Rob from Southampton has been following the Saints since he was 16 and told us he would pay whatever to see his beloved side.

"It is a passion, you pay whatever. I love watching Southampton and the cost is fine. You get more than 90 minutes of football today, you get entertainment, an atmosphere, the whole package."

Asked if he would be happy if Southampton raised ticket prices again next season he said:

"It would annoy some but I think to stay competitive we have to increase prices now and then. If it helped us get into Europe because we could afford that star player would people moan then?"

The debate rages on, does football in England cost the fans too much? Should clubs reduce ticket prices further or are they justified in what they charge?