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Blair says `ordinary fans' cannot afford the Premier League

British Prime Minister Tony Blair wants Premier League soccer clubs to lower their ticket prices.

"Anyone who watches the Premiership can just notice, in the past year or couple of years, the rows of empty seats," Blair said on Tuesday at his monthly news conference. "It's something I do not recall seeing in the same way four or five years back so I think there are very sensible market-based reasons for people to make sure the ticket prices aren't beyond the reach of the ordinary fan."

"It's a decision for them but I think the logic of it is pretty clear," he added.

Almost 80 members of the British parliament have signed a motion protesting ticket prices "beyond the reach of many fans."

According to the parliamentary motion, season tickets to see top soccer clubs in England cost four times more than in Germany, the Netherlands and Italy.

Government minister Jack Straw recently said some clubs were "fleecing the ordinary supporter" while Sports Minister Richard Caborn has referred to "sky-high ticket prices."

The Premier League will get a new TV contract worth ?325 million (US$638 million) next season, and lawmakers say clubs should use their share to help cut prices.

Bolton has already said it will reduce season ticket prices next season while Chelsea said this month it plans to reduce prices for Champions League and domestic cup matches.

The most expensive Premier League ticket for a home Chelsea game is ?60, and Manchester United's tickets range from ?29 to ?50. Arsenal's tickets range from ?46 to ?94 at its new Emirates Stadium.

By contrast, a ticket for a home game at last-place Watford costs ?35.
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