by Costas Chryanthou

Created on: August 13, 2008   Last Updated: April 10, 2009

I think whilst the idea of Premier league clubs playing in Barcelona, France where the stadiums are bigger in numbers the idea of British fans going abroad to watch a match is absurd. The cost to the average paying public to watch one match would be as expensive to go on holiday to perhaps somewhere exotic.

There would be the chance for overseas locals to watch the matches and purchase tickets, though in all honesty only the real big clubs are likely to benefit financially from this idea, and perhaps it would create a laughing stock type attitude for the clubs lower down the Premiership table. Without showing disrespect who would want to see a local North East derby match between two teams playing at the wrong end of the division.

Also the hooligan atmosphere from English fans is likely to raise eyebrows amongst supporters and viewers of Premiership soccer matches as the going abroad aspect of enjoying a flight and hotel abroad is likely to result perhaps in a booze up before the match and where locals with some partisan interest in the matches played could end up caught up in some heated exchanges between locals and British fans.

The English Premiership in taking matches abroad would sacrifice local interest of British and existing fans, as I do not think that some teams fan base would generally like to see their team travel regularly abroad. The local traditions would all but disappear into some crazy notion of playing soccer in Paris or Barcelona.

Some fans would welcome a move though I get the impression that this was an idea created to generate additional interest amongst overseas soccer viewers. I would also add that the idea would make many people disheartened in having their local teams playing abroad, it would also add burden to the travelling costs of teams that have not qualified for Europe, as well as taking away stadium support jobs away from British workers. This idea can not be taken seriously and further clarification of proposals are needed before any sensible decision or view can be made.

Being a Chelsea fan this idea would not entice me to visit Paris, or Italy. The costs of travelling and the price paid for tickets would create perhaps a black market for tickets which is bad news for fans, perhaps good for the clubs involved, judging by the champions league fixture in Moscow where some fans had to pay in excess of 3000 to be able to get a ticket alone.

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