Call for sell-by date on kit as United strip tops £182
THE Football Supporters Federation has called for kits to carry expiry date labels so customers know when they will be replaced after Manchester United unveiled a new children’s strip costing nearly £100.
Parents have complained that the football club’s new kit is a “rip off ” after the club announced the price.
A FSF spokesman said: “While not all supporters wear replica kits, a lot of fans do feel they are too expensive.
“However, they aren’t essential and a fairer solution would be for manufacturers and clubs to include a sell-by date in the label. Fans and parents then know exactly what they are buying and how long they can expect it to remain their club’s kit, to determine if the price is worth it.”
The club released its 2018-19 home strip on Tuesday. It features a nod to the club’s railwaymen founders in the shape of black train lines.
Made by adidas, the cost of an adult full “authentic kit” will be £182.85 (shirt £109.95, shorts £42.95, socks £29.95), while the price for children’s outfits will be £91.85 (shirt £49.95, shorts £24.95, socks £16.95).
Manchester United have defended the cost, saying the prices are set by retailers and are in line with kits from other top European clubs.
Justine Roberts, Mumsnet CEO, said parents were furious at the cost of the kit which means that for many fans it would be out of reach.
She said: “Every season, football clubs seem to be pushing the prices of junior kits upwards. Parents love seeing their kids enjoying football, but the price of their children’s fandom is too steep for many parents.”
The cost of football kits for many UK leagues has been rising over the years. Manchester United’s new children’s kit costs the same as Chelsea’s at £91.85 (shirt £51.95, shorts £24.95, socks £14.95).
Meanwhile Newcastle United’s children’s kit costs £87.97 (shirt £49.99, socks £22.99, socks £14.99). Burnley FC’S costs the least at £59 for a children’s set.
Previously experts have claimed that football fans pay a 1,000 per cent mark up on replica shirts thanks to inflated prices.
However, research by sports merchandising expert Peter Rohlmann found that once manufacturers, shops and the Government have taken their share, clubs are left with a mere £3 in profit.
Typically a football shirt costs an average £4.79 to produce including fabric, labour and shipping costs, he said.