Jonathan Wilson elegantly describes why many, myself included, have been falling out of love with modern football, little by little. The best part of the article describes it really well, in my opinion:
“Those traditional fans have gradually seen the sport their families have perhaps supported for generations change. (…) Lip service is paid to fans and their devotion, but increasingly they are exploited and marginalised and their importance to the club is diminished.”
I had the same conversation with a friend, and we agreed that soccer lost its romance, from expensive tickets and merch, to the machine players trying to break records and score goals. If we can’t afford a ticket, why even a watch your team play?
It’s not only UK, but all over Europe.
I believe it’s less of an issue the smaller the league is. Already in the Dutch league I feel like I can still afford the price of admission and the spectacle is still solid with full stadiums and generally good atmosphere. If even that level is still too commercialised, I recommend giving your local village team a visit. It’s usually a blast and the “Bratwurst” at the matches here in the Verbandsliga Südhessen is very affordable.