FSF Applaud Brum Fine

Last updated : 03 September 2008 By FSF

It's a Brum do ...

The Football Supporters' Federation has applauded the Premier League for punishing Birmingham City for discriminatory pricing against away fans during the 2007/8 season.

And the FSF has called upon Birmingham City FC to either refund the money to the fans they've ripped off, or donate it to local football charities.

A Premier League appointed Independent Commission has ruled the price BCFC charged to away fans was higher than that charged to home fans for a comparable standard of accommodation, handed down a fine of £30,000 and ordered the club to pay costs.

And Football Supporters' Federation Chairman Malcolm Clarke said: "We congratulate the Premier League on taking this action - it proves the importance of fans making complaints when the rules are broken, something the FSF will always be willing to help supporters do.

"The principle of away fans not being exploited is very important to us. In our view Birmingham City have been serial offenders on pricing issues for a number of years, in both the Premier League and the Football League, and we hope that this £30,000 fine will prevent any reoccurrence by them or any other clubs.

"But it is not right that Birmingham City should keep the money they made from this. We call upon them to now refund the excess charges to the clubs concerned, so that they can return cash to the fans who paid over the odds. If this is not possible, a donation should be made to local football charities.

"It is deeply ironic that the Birmingham Chief Executive is portrayed on programmes such as The Apprentice as a top businesswoman whilst overseeing the violation of the rules by her club and the shoddy treatment of the football industry's best customers - away supporters."