Leeds United twist as vital Ipswich talks emerge after new announcement
Ipswich Town approached Leeds United for vital talks over reciprocal pricing after it was announced the price for an away ticket at Elland Road would be £47, according to TWDT.
The Ipswich outlet reported on Saturday (2 December) that the Tractor Boys initiated discussions over a reciprocal pricing agreement during the close season, but were unable to reach an agreement with the Whites due to a disagreement over the category of the fixture.
Ipswich wanted the fixture at Portman Road, which Daniel Farke’s side won 4-3 to be classed as a category A fixture, with the highest away ticket price of £34. But Leeds United wouldn’t agree as they viewed the clash as a category B match, and Ipswich wouldn’t reduce their ticket price.
That has then allowed Leeds to set their own ticket price for the match at Elland Road on 23 December, with Ipswich fans who make the trip expected to pay £13 more than the Whites supporters did back in August.
Expensive
It is by no means breaking news that Leeds charges a big price for away fans who make the trip to Elland Road and in truth, it is part of their business model that has allowed them to be successful as they are earning plenty of money from travelling supporters week in and week out.
However, it will begin to impact the occasion at Elland Road if away sides begin to not travel with a sold-out crowd behind them. With the clash between the Whites and Ipswich looking set to be season-defining in the race for automatic promotion, it would help the occasion if the away end was packed out.
But in fairness to Leeds, they have been open with all Championship sides throughout the season about how they intend to structure the pricing of tickets for away sides. That doesn’t make it right, but they are by no means deceiving or robbing other clubs.
On the pitch, it could provide Farke’s side with a big boost if there is a quieter away end behind Kieran McKenna’s side. Leeds will need their fans behind them and as many of their players at their best to ensure that they are able to get a second win this season over Ipswich.
In other Leeds United news, Illan Meslier has been identified as a “possibility” for Inter Milan when the transfer window opens