Arsenal defend season ticket hike

Arsenal director Danny Fizman has defended an increase of 4.5% in season tickets prices at the Emirates Stadium.

After a four-year price freeze, the cost of the cheapest ticket has risen from £885 to £925 for next season.

The hike means Arsenal's prices are £275 more expensive than the next highest club, Liverpool, but Fizman insists tickets remain good value.

"There are often comparisons made and we seem to be expensive, but it's never apples for apples," he said.

"Our season tickets include cup and Champions League games, which other clubs charge extra for.

"In fact they charge a premium for them. Our prices should be judged in that way rather than on the pure top line number."

He added: "We've held the prices for four years but there is substantial inflation in football.

"Rather than keep holding prices back and then having a huge increase, we think it's better to have a small, steady increase rather than a big jump."