Shirty years of hurt

Fans outraged as price of kids’ Prem League tops soar

PARENTS face paying up to £52 for a child’s replica Premier League shirt as some clubs hike prices this season.

We checked all 20 teams in the top flight and found nine had ramped up the cost, with some more than £50 for the first time.

At £52, Tottenham Hotspur topped the table for most expensive short-sleeved children’s shirt, £4 more than last season.

Manchester City and Chelsea were close behind, both charging £51.95 at Nike.com.

The biggest increase was by Leicester City, with a £5 hike to £40 for a replica kids’ shirt. Man United was the only team to drop the price, but only by 5p to £49.95.

At £35, Bournemouth and Burnley were cheapest. Martyn James, of consumer complaint service Resolver, said: “Putting a premium on the passion for the game just penalises fans struggling to make ends meet. That’s not the spirit of the game.”

Sports merchandise expert Peter Rohlmann said a football shirt costs an average £4.79 to produce, but that clubs make just £3 profit once manufacturers, shops and the Government have taken their share.

The Football Supporters’ Federation said: “The cost of kits can add up, especially if you have kids. It would make sense to add a ‘use-by date’. That way, supporters can decide whether the price is worth it.”

We compared shirts for over-eights. Many clubs, such as those who have deals with Nike, offer full children’s kits for £45.

Spurs declined to comment. Man City and Chelsea did not respond.