Fans found that match tickets for visiting were not available for advance purchase and would have to pay £17 on the gate. Whereas on the website for Stoke fans it stated:
BRITANNIA STADIUM TICKET PRICES 2001/02 Purchased in advance up until end of day before game: ADULT £13, Purchased on matchday: ADULT £15.
As its clear they are were not offering the same advance discount to
visiting supporters as they are for home supporters and are also adding an extra £2 to the adult price for good measure (comparing equivalent
accommodation - Genesis Boothen & Big Stand). It was been pointed out that Football League Regulation 31.2.5 states that "No club shall charge higher admission prices for visiting supporters for accommodation comparable with or inferior to that used by supporters of the home club."
Stoke City's Commercial manager responded:
"Over the last few days we have received further correspondence from the league as they would prefer to see equal prices behind the goals and as a result of which our pricing policy is been reviewed for the 2002/2003 season"