A look into attendance figures from across Europe shows that English football fans "remain more committed than most when it comes to going to European fixtures," according to Alistair Tweedale of the London TELEGRAPH. Tottenham managed to sell more than 80,000 tickets for its Europa League match against Belgian side Gent last season, while Emirates Stadium was "almost full" for Arsenal's match against Bundesliga club Cologne. ManU averaged 67,722 people at Old Trafford over seven home games on its run to the Europa League title last season, and fans have been "turning out in decent numbers at all Champions League games both this season and last." On average, English clubs see around a 6% drop in attendance figures for European games compared to Premier League matches. Italy, France and Germany, meanwhile, see an "even greater fall in attendances at their clubs' European fixtures." Serie A matches have attracted 36.5% more fans than matches in Europe this season. AC Milan supporters "obviously think the Europa League is below their great club." Attendances of 23,917 and 20,812 at an 80,000-seat San Siro in the club's two home games so far this season "speak volumes." This is "not a one-off." It was also an issue last season in Italy, where European matches drew 30.9% fewer fans than Serie A games (TELEGRAPH, 10/20).
