Mascot fees are pure greed

In recent years, I’ve become more and more annoyed by the fact so much of sport seems to be about money, PR and fame. So, the news that West Ham United are charging £700 for their matchday mascot package – the highest price in the Premier League – really stuck in my throat. Criticism from the likes of Gary Lineker, who described the fees as “morally wrong and totally unnecessary”, has been spot on. The opportunity for kids to walk out onto the pitch with their sporting idols should be open to children of all ages, backgrounds and genders, not just the privileged few whose parents can afford it.

In tennis, there are plenty of opportunities for kids to come onto court during ATP and WTA tournaments, and not a single one has to pay for that privilege. Instead, children are put forward by local tennis clubs and charitable organisations. Charging for mascots just smacks of greed. An experience like that should be priceless.