Bolton Wanderers have sparked controversy by charging Preston North End fans £36 for adult tickets ahead of their Championship clash, a move that has drawn widespread criticism from rival supporters. The Trotters, who secured promotion to the Championship after a seven-year absence, are facing backlash for pricing that exceeds Premier League away ticket caps. With Bolton currently sitting 5th in League One with 75 points (19W-18D-9L) and a +18 goal difference, fans are questioning the justification for such high prices in a lower-tier league.

Why are Preston fans upset?

Preston North End supporters have expressed outrage over the £36 ticket price, which is significantly higher than the £30 cap imposed on Premier League away tickets. Many fans argue that Bolton, as a newly promoted Championship side, should not be charging such premium prices. One Preston fan commented, "£36 that’s outrageous for a local game," while another questioned, "£36?! They do know they were in League One last year?" The frustration stems from the perception that Bolton is taking advantage of the renewed Lancashire rivalry, which hasn’t been seen since February 2019.

How have Bolton fans reacted?

Even some Bolton Wanderers supporters have criticized the club’s decision, fearing it will set a precedent for reciprocal pricing at Deepdale. One Trotters fan said, "Well, we can’t grumble when we get slapped with the same prices or worse in the return game. Terrible pricing." Another added, "Absolutely scandalous from the club. This will end up affecting our fans as clubs will mirror it in the reverse fixture." The decision has also raised questions about why the EFL hasn’t implemented a price cap for away tickets, similar to the Premier League’s £30 limit.

What does this mean for EFL ticket pricing?

The controversy highlights the broader issue of ticket pricing in the EFL, where fans often pay more for lower-tier matches compared to Premier League games. Bolton’s decision has reignited calls for a £20 cap on away tickets across the league, with one Preston fan stating, "Seriously need to start the '£20 is plenty' initiative across the whole league. Anything over £25 is quite frankly ridiculous." As Bolton prepares for their Championship return, the debate over fair ticket pricing is set to continue, with fans hoping for a resolution that balances club revenue with affordability.