Chelsea Sets Record with £5,000 Ticket Price, Sparking Outrage Among Fans

Chelsea has set a new record for the most expensive ticket price in the Premier League. The club is charging £5,000 for supporters to sit behind Mauricio Pochettino's home dugout during the game against Manchester United in April. This exorbitant price has sparked outrage among fans, who are concerned about potential increases in season-ticket prices.

The 'Dugout Club', where the £5,000 tickets are located at Stamford Bridge, was introduced after a change in ownership at Chelsea. The high price of the tickets has drawn criticism from officials at rival Premier League clubs as well. Dom Rosso, vice-chair of Chelsea's Supporters' Trust, described the £5,000 ticket as 'alarming'.

It is worth noting that other clubs in the Premier League also offer premium matchday packages, but none charge as much as Chelsea's £5,000 ticket. Manchester City previously held the record with their 'Autograph' package, priced at up to £4,200. West Ham United offers a £4,000 ticket that includes a helicopter ride over the London skyline, while Fulham charges £3,000 for their most expensive non-executive season ticket.

Chelsea's official website, where the £5,000 tickets can be purchased, describes the 'Dugout Club' experience as allowing supporters to sit in luxury padded seating behind the home dugout, just meters away from Mauricio Pochettino and the team. The website also highlights additional perks, such as greeting the team as they arrive at Stamford Bridge and watching the warm-up from pitchside. Club Chelsea hospitality is available both before and after the match.

Critics argue that the increasing number of premium seats at Stamford Bridge is limiting general admission availability and prioritizing corporate visitors over loyal supporters. However, the club has pointed out that the seats in the 'Dugout Club' were not previously available for general admission.

In conclusion, Chelsea's decision to charge £5,000 for a ticket behind the home dugout has set a new benchmark for ticket prices in the Premier League. While other clubs offer premium packages, none come close to the exorbitant price set by Chelsea. This move has sparked criticism from fans and officials alike, who believe that such high prices make football unaffordable for the average supporter. The club's response to these concerns remains to be seen.