Source: Team_Talk
Football supporters in the red
Arsenal fans are the most in debt, with each owing an average of £1,284.
According to the research by Virgin Money, of those in debt, 20% owe between £1,000 and £2,500. The average owed is £682.
Season ticket holders are the worst hit, with 22% owing over £1,000.
According to the study, fans of the big four teams - Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea - need to borrow the most.
Spurs fans were the only supporters outside the big four to have average borrowings of more than £1,000.
When it came to football-related debt, West Ham and Aston Villa fans had the most unhealthy bank balances.
Of these, 27% claimed following their team had landed them in the red.
Everton, Manchester United and Manchester City were close behind with 26% of supporters claiming to be in debt because of their love for the game.
The cost of being a fan has risen by 15.1% year on year since January 2006, according to Virgin Money's Football Fan Inflation Index.
Grant Bather, spokesman for Virgin Money, said: "Football fans can ill afford rising costs to follow their team, which explains why so many have borrowed to make ends meet.
"For many fans, supporting their club is non-negotiable so even in a recession they will find the money to ensure they are in the stands next season, even if that means being in debt."
Malcolm Clarke, chairman of the Football Supporters Federation added: "It's not surprising that fans of clubs playing in Europe have some of the biggest debts - following your team abroad can be an expensive business."
Research also showed that 30% of regular match-goers plan to see fewer live games this season because of the cost - up 26% on last year's figure.
:: Researchers interviewed 4,032 football fans between July 8 and 20 for the study.
