Their latest figures show that as many as 25 per cent of supporters will not be able to afford the ticket prices this year. The Football Fans Inflation Index - which has been tracking the cost of tickets since early 2006 - has indicated that the average ticket price has gone up by just over 20 per cent in the previous 3 months, bringing the average ticket cost up to 106 pounds 21 pence. Virgin Money pointed out that this is the first time that the average ticket price has breached the 100 pounds barrier.



Following on from this rise, 26 per cent of football fans questioned by the group said they would have to cut back on the number games they go to in an effort to limit the financial burden of following their favourite team.

Supporters who are committed to showing their vocal and financial support to their club may be interested in taking out a personal loan to cover the costs of a season ticket.

Indeed, research from the firm showed that casual and die hard supporters are being equally hard hit, with even season ticket holders saying they expect to go to fewer games to avoid match day costs, even though they have already shelled out for tickets.

Commenting on the trend, Virgin Money representative Scott Mowbray, explained: "Football often seems immune to the real world, existing on its own Planet Football where there is always money for player transfers and salaries and the cash keeps on flowing from TV and sponsorship deals. Unfortunately, supporters still have to live in the real world and the last 12 months has seen several significant rises in their running costs due to increased mortgage charges, and lore expensive food and fuel. But with merchandise and rail fares also on the rise something has to give and obviously keeping a roof over your head and keeping your house warm outranks going to football matches."

Meanwhile, Malcolm Clarke, chairman of the Football Supporters Federation, said that the results of the study are very worrying news for football clubs as live attendance revenues are the "lifeblood" of the industry. However, he did concede that in difficult financial circumstances, it was unsurprising that fans were feeling that going to games is a cost they cannot afford. He claims that those clubs that increased ticket prices above inflation, are likely to be affected by a significant drop in attendance, as a result of failing to take into consideration the financial difficulties of their fans.

For those who still intend to watch their team live, a cheap loan may be of use, and could also help with other aspects of their financial commitments. Choosing this form of loan could be useful to football families as Virgin Money's latest figures show that a majority of parents are struggling to afford tickets for their kids.