England's World Cup woes reached a new low today as tickets for their third group game exchanged hands for below their face value.
Supporters frustrated at the team’s early exit from one of the best ever World Cup tournaments showed their dejection by selling off seats cheaply — and in some cases giving them away.
In stark contrast to England’s World Cup campaign opener against Italy at Manaus 10 days ago, when tickets were sold on the black market for £5,000, many were available in the centre of Belo Horizonte last night at cost price for this evening’s game against Costa Rica. Fans wanting rid of tickets could easily be found in bars, restaurants and on the streets of the city as interest in seeing England against their opponents, who have already qualified, lessened.
Kevin Miles, chief executive of the Football Supporters’ Federation, said England fans had decided to stay in Rio and enjoy lazing on the Copacabana beach rather then travel to see England play their last match of Brazil 2014.
“There are some fans feeling sick at the team’s performances and who have decided to stay away. Other fans I know have stayed in Rio or have flown back to England,” he said. “Some supporters have had enough.”
Fan Alex Prior, 49, of Chatham, said: “I sold two tickets on behalf of friends who went home yesterday as they couldn’t stomach watching England in such a pitiful state. The tickets went for £25 below face value and I had to ask around quite a bit to find a buyer.”
Saul Mahoney, 31, a fund manager from Highgate, added: “I gave away my spare ticket this morning which was supposed to have been used by my younger brother.
“But he was so angry that we are out of the competition, he has gone to Glastonbury instead. Nobody I asked wanted to buy the ticket, so I gave it to a kid selling crisps on the roadside.”
