SUPPORTERS of a North-East football club have to spend almost a quarter of their weekly wage to watch their team, a tickets firm has claimed.

Middlesbrough FC fans would need to spend 24 per cent of their weekly pay packet to enjoy a “full match day experience” at the Riverside Stadium, according Ticket Gum.

The firm has identified a full match day experience for Middlesbrough, including the lowest price of a match day ticket, a programme, hot drink, pie and popular merchandise, as costing £86.

Middlesbrough fans have to pay £30 for the lowest priced match day ticket, £3 for a programme, £3 for a pie, £2 for a tea and £48 on merchandise.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics show the average weekly wage in Middlesbrough is £355,60.

The 24 per cent figure is the highest rate of any of the Premier League Clubs outside Manchester, with Manchester City at 27 per cent and Manchester United 28 per cent.

Sunderland’s rate stands at 21 per cent, which equates to a total match day cost of £83 and an average weekly wage of £391.50.

Arsenal and Crystal Palace scored the lowest rate in the findings of just 15 per cent.

The findings show more than 50 per cent of Premier League clubs require their local supporters to spend in excess of 20 per cent of their weekly wage to get the full match day experience.

Middlesbrough resident and Boro fan Harry said he thinks Premier League clubs should be “more generous” with their pricing structure.

“It is very expensive – you are not only purchasing the ticket but a match day programme, drinks and food.

“I know that clubs are not forcing us to spend money but they must understand that we want to make the most out of the day.”

A spokesperson for Ticket Gum said: “With the Premier League providing such monumental surprises and dramatic moments throughout the season, it is easy to see why fans as well as spectators are drawn to its vast appeal.

“If you take Middlesbrough, where 55.9 per cent of the local areas are deprived according to ONS, is it really economical or viable to expect residents to fork out 24 per cent of their weekly wage for the full home match day experience?”

Chris Joseph, chair of recently formed Middlesbrough Supporters Forum, said: “Everyone has different personal circumstances and people can only buy what they can afford.

"The Premier League took note of concerns of fans about away tickets and capped them at £30 last year. Wherever you go for entertainment these days, whether it be watching a film with popcorn at the cinema, it is expensive.”

For more information, visit www.ticketgum.com