Martin Keown has admitted that he would join any protest that saw fans leave the ground as they stand up against the ticket prices they are being forced to endure in the Premier League.

With Arsenal fans being charged a premium at every ground in the division due to their ‘Category A’ status, the fans never get the chance of cheap tickets unless they are watching a Category C team at the Emirates.

This issue has centred around Arsenal for many years now but, as we’ve repeatedly pointed out on this site, it is not a problem that is confined to Arsenal (our fans get screwed by other clubs regularly) and until everyone accepts that it is a wider issue, nothing will change.

Martin Keown looks on prior to the Pre-Season match between Corby Town and Stevenage at Steel Park on August 2, 2011 in Corby, England. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)
Martin Keown looks on prior to the Pre-Season match between Corby Town and Stevenage at Steel Park on August 2, 2011 in Corby, England. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)

That tipping point seems to have been reached with Liverpool fans protesting at their own ground over the prices they are being charged (instead of waiting to do it at the Emirates like so many others).

Speaking to the press, Martin Keown has admitted that if Arsenal fans were to stage a walkout like Liverpool fans did at Anfield last weekend, he’d happily join them.

“Jamie Carragher made a stand by joining in the Anfield protests last week and if there was a similar one at Arsenal, I would follow suit,” Keown said.

“The clubs have to support what the majority of fans want and it’s time to stand up for them.

“It’s hard-earned money that’s being spent and fans travel the length and breadth of the country to support their teams. They deserve to have their voices heard.”

It’s hard to argue with that, really.

In contrast, Arsene Wenger called for fans to limit any protests to before and after the game.

While we understand what he was getting at when he said “You can protest before and after but during the game you want everybody to be there,” it is hard for fans to feel that any sort of pre or post-game protest will be paid attention to.

It’s damaging to the team but, at the same time, it is a much louder message when it is delivered when millions are watching live.