Sunderland fans are considering boycotting their team's visit to the Boleyn Ground in May after West Ham announced that the cost of an away ticket was rising by a third.
Fans of the Black Cats were expected to arrive in east London en masse on May 22nd for the final game of the 2010/11 Premier League campaign. However many are now threatening to stay away after West Ham confirmed that away fans would be expected to pay £46 per ticket - up from £36.
Supporter's website, Salut! Sunderland raged: "Be prepared to pass by the mortgage broker on your way to paying for the West Ham United match. The appalling rip-off merchants who have charge of West Ham have decided that Sunderland supporters should be mugged for £46 apiece for the dubious honour of a seat at the Boleyn [Ground]."
Meanwhile the London branch of the SAFC Supporters’ Association confirmed that they had considered balloting members with regards to boycotting the game but had since reached the conclusion that "this is a matter of personal choice and for many members, games in London offer the only opportunities to follow the team."
West Ham's Premier League future could yet rely on the outcome of the game. Sunderland are unlikely to be affected although currently sit just six points clear of the relegation zone (and West Ham) in ninth place, having already amassed 38 points.