A Chelsea supporters' representative
said that young fans being priced out of games "is the reason for the lack of
atmosphere at Stamford Bridge," according to the BBC. Chelsea Manager Jose Mourinho
claimed it was like "playing in an empty stadium"
following his side's
2-1 home win over Queens Park Rangers
on Saturday. Chelsea Supporters' Trust Chair Tim Rolls said, "It's £50 ($80)-plus to go. And young people -- who are the most likely to sing and make noise -- have been priced out of the game." The "cheapest general sale adult ticket for the game" against QPR was £46 ($73), with the most expensive £75 ($119). Rolls: "Until the clubs recognize that and do something about affordable pricing for young people and creating sections of the ground where they can sing and make some noise then the situation is unlikely to improve" (BBC, 11/2). The London TELEGRAPH wrote Mourinho described the lack of passion as "frustrating" and said it makes things "difficult" for his players. Mourinho: "At this moment it’s difficult for us to play at home though, because playing here is like playing in an empty stadium" (TELEGRAPH, 11/1).