Atmosphere and fans' role in Premier League games becoming a concern [View all]

A creeping apathy spreading across Premier League grounds, long diagnosed and discussed by fans, seems to have reached the dugout and the boardroom. In recent weeks, a trio of London-based managers questioned their own supporters

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The diagnosis is by no means universal. For big games and on heady European nights, the atmosphere at most grounds can still make the spine tingle. At others, such as Stoke City's Britannia Stadium, it crackles no matter the opposition. But elsewhere there is a definite feeling that something is being gradually lost from the matchday experience.

That could, ultimately, have a knock on effect on the soaring overseas television revenue that contributed to a £5.5bn windfall for clubs for the three seasons starting with 2012-13. One of the key factors that helps make the Premier League the most saleable commodity in world football is its noise, pageantry and atmosphere.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/nov/16/premier-league-fans-atmosphere-concern

Well, quelle surprise. You price the genuine supporters out of the stadium in favour of prawn sandwich eating corporate parties, armchair fans who save up for one visit a lifetime and tourists who want to witness a strange, ancient ritual, and the atmosphere changes. I was nearly as surprised when I found out that Ken Bates votes Tory.