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Drop in Latics fans attending away matches
The rising cost of watching football is causing fewer Wigan Athletic fans to travel to games, according to a new survey.
Despite last weekend's 9 -1 drubbing at Spurs, the increasing price of fuel and match tickets are being blamed for fewer supporters choosing to travel to watch Latics.
According to a survey by Virgin Money, the average Latics fan travelled 1,652 miles to follow their team last season – the second lowest figure in the Premier League, just ahead of bottom club Everton.
But it's not all doom and gloom for Wigan supporters as figures reveal 7% of fans travel more than 5,000 miles during a season to watch their team.
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More than 4,000 football fans from across the country were interviewed for the survey.
Figures revealed football fans are travelling an average 132 miles less to follow their teams, compared to last year.
It is thought rising ticket prices and fuel costs are to blame with a 17% increase in petrol prices since 2006.
Matchday costs for fans have risen 7.2% since the start of the year and by 31.5% compared to January 2006.
Fans who travel by train have seen average rail fares rise by almost 10% compared to last year.
Grant Bather, from Virgin Money, said: "Travelling to games costs, not just in time, but in cash and, increasingly, fans are staying at home.
"The high price of petrol and rail fares make travelling an expensive business and for fans the cost doesn't stop there, pre-match pints, tickets and match programmes all add up to a day at the ground being a big commitment.
"Different kick-off times with late Saturday games, Sunday games, Monday games and mid-week games make travelling difficult.
"It might be good news for weekend traffic levels but it's not good for the game and a shame for those keen to see their team in action."
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Friday 25 May 2012
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