Fuming West Bromwich Albion fans threaten boycott over £56 Manchester City ticket

The eye-watering price for the televised Premier League showdown has sparked anger among Baggies supporters – especially after City recently made a point of complaining about soaring ticket costs.

City fans were up in arms last year when they were charged £62 for a ticket at Arsenal but – despite a vow from Premier League chiefs that costs would come down – many Albion fans were today pondering turning their backs on the match. Supporters vented their anger on Twitter, calling for a boycott after costs rose 25 per cent from last season's Etihad fixture.

When faced with a price of £62 for the Arsenal game last season, City returned 912 unsold tickets for the match at the Emirates Stadium.

City fans regularly hold up signs during matches which read: "Don't price us out of our game or lose more fans."

John Homer, chairman of the official Albion Supporters Club, today said: "It's shameful. I'm not speaking as a supporters club chairman now, I am speaking as a fan. £56 for the price of admission plus travel costs and perhaps a family member too – and all for a game that is being televised live on TV.

"Fans are furious. I would never actively urge anyone to boycott a game but I think plenty will on this occasion. Maybe Manchester City, one of the wealthiest clubs in the world, need the money.

"This is really too much. Supporters are a vital part of the game and to exploit them like this is shameful."

Premier League chief Richard Scudamore said: "Absolutely top of our aims and objectives is to keep attendances full.

"The clubs absolutely know where the Premier League stands on this. We want full stadia."

Are you planning to boycott Albion's away game at the Etihad Stadium on April 21st? Let us know in the comments below