‘Why bother?’ – Portsmouth fans not buying announcement made ahead of Southampton trip
Portsmouth have less than three weeks to wait until their team takes on bitter rivals Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium.
The fixture on 14 September will be the first league fixture between the two clubs since 2012.
Many Pompey fans were quick to circle this fixture with Southampton on their calendars as soon as the Championship fixtures were released.
However, some have been annoyed by the ticket costs and travel restrictions associated with the game.
Portsmouth agree to subsidise South Coast Derby travel costs
Portsmouth fans were first perturbed by the condition that they must travel to Southampton using the club’s official coach service.
This was described as a safety measure, but some fans didn’t take kindly to being charged £22.50 for this compulsory journey.
This frustration intensified when it emerged that Southampton would charge away fans £40 for an adult ticket.
That meant Portsmouth supporters would pay £62.50 to see the game live at the stadium.
On Tuesday, the club announced that it would reduce the price of coach travel to £18.50 for those travelling to the game.
However, fans reacting to this announcement on social media were hardly singing from the rooftops. Most remained annoyed at the travel conditions required for the 20-mile journey.
Portsmouth fans have a right to speak out against profiteering
Social media is a useful tool for people to complain when they’re being wronged by a business, and Pompey fans’ complaints have been heard here.
The price reduction of the coach ticket – even if only by £4 – is likely a direct response to the supporters’ protests.
It’s still hard not to sympathise with Portsmouth supporters in this situation. They will still have to fork out just under £60 for the privilege of supporting their team.
That’s a steep ask in today’s financial climate.
| Date | Result |
| 18 December 2011 | Portsmouth 1 Southampton 1 |
| 7 April 2012 | Southampton 2 Portsmouth 2 |
It could be argued that football is a business and that South Coast derby tickets should be priced according to demand.
But just because supporters are willing to pay doesn’t mean clubs should exploit that loyalty. Football thrives on passion, tradition and community, not on squeezing every last pound out of fans.
Shame on Southampton for charging £40 for an away ticket.
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