Record 109,000 Foreign Fans Visit Manchester United & Arsenal Home Games
New research has revealed 800,000 foreign fans attended Premier League matches last season, with a record 109,000 visiting Old Trafford and the Emirates stadium.
The Office for National Statistics undertook the research on behalf of VisitBritain.
TOP NEWS
Madrid Fines Players $590K 😲
'Mbappé Out' Petition Gaining Steam 😳
Star-Studded World Cup Ad 🤩
The numbers indicate 121,000 of the visitors came from the Republic of Ireland, with another 93,000 from Norway, 58,000 from Sweden and 53,000 from the U.S.
"Someone should set up a league in Ireland. There's definitely the appetite for football here. pic.twitter.com/wh4WDu3zJA
— Kevin Brannigan (@KevinBrannigans) September 10, 2015"
The trips contributed a collective £684 million to the UK economy, with tourism minister Tracey Crouch hailing the findings as proof of "the positive role football is playing in showcasing key destinations in many different regions. … It’s great for local economies, great for football and great for the UK’s tourism industry."
However, some fans are concerned by the impact of tourism on already high ticket prices. "It’s good for the country when additional funds come into the economy but we need clubs to reward the long-term loyalty of our supporters,” explained Sean Bones, vice-chairman of the Manchester United Supporters Trust.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
