Nearly four in 10 football fans admit they spend more money when their team scores a goal – as the celebration encourages them to splash the cash.
A poll of 2,000 UK football supporters found 37 per cent part with their money more easily when the ball hits the back of the net for their team, with celebratory drinks the most popular purchase – totalling an average of £17.70 per goal.
Fans are also likely to spend an extra £15.91 on food when out watching a game if their team is on to a win, while £22.06 more is spent on merchandise.
More than one in 10 (13 per cent) admitted to even spending money on tickets for a future game after watching a goal go in.
Factors that influence spending splurges include whether the goal put the team in front, the significance of the match and who the match was against.
The study was commissioned by Post Office Travel Money [https://www.postoffice.co.uk/cost-of-a-goal] as fans prepare to cheer on their home team this summer.
The research revealed that 65 per cent of those who watch football abroad find it a more memorable experience.
Half of those polled have gone abroad primarily to watch a game and 30 per cent even admitted they spend more money when watching in another country.
Top reasons fans spend more when watching overseas include being in holiday mode (47 per cent), treating it as more of a special occasion (37 per cent), and getting swept up in the exciting atmosphere (37 per cent).
Laura Plunkett, head of travel money at Post Office, said: “Fans have no idea what emotions they’ll experience, so it’s hard for them to pre-plan spending.
“For many fans, watching football abroad makes the game all the more special – it’s become a key holiday experience.
“With the upcoming summer of football, we’re anticipating a huge year for sport-related travel, as fans flock to watch make or break games, savouring each win and experiencing every heartbreak.”
The research also found that 36 per cent of fans have woken up the morning after a match to realise they spent more than planned because of the result of the game.
But 55 per cent have saved up money for a matchday so they can indulge.
Before the full-time whistle is blown, 34 per cent have been known to make a celebratory purchase if their team is on to a win, including season tickets or premium memberships (11 per cent) and even spontaneous weekends away (10 per cent).
Justifying their goal spend, 31 per cent said it’s fun to live in the moment, while 21 per cent see it as a special occasion, according to the OnePoll.com research.
Just over Aa tenth see it as an excuse to have a blow out with football-loving family and friends (11 per cent) while 14 per cent argue they deserve to treat themselves after sticking through the hard times following their club.
Laura Plunkett added: “With fans admitting being abroad makes them more likely to spend, we encourage those heading overseas to plan how they’ll manage their money before they travel, so they can focus on enjoying the matchday atmosphere and making the most of the trip.
“A travel money card offers a simple way to load currency in advance, track spending and pay securely while abroad – so fans can watch the football, not the exchange rate.”
TOP 10 PURCHASES MADE AS THE RESULT OF A GOAL:
1. A celebratory drink for yourself
2. A round of drinks
3. Food while out to watch the game
4. A celebratory drink for someone else
5. Bar snacks
6. Team merchandise
7. Tickets for a future match
8. Drinks for strangers
9. A spontaneous online purchase
10. A night away for a future match
