Footie fans splash out nearly £18 on drinks per goal scored

Fans and financial restraint don’t mix well once the goals start coming

A poll of 2,000 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 a winning streak, 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 as fans prepare to cheer on their home team this summer.

The research revealed 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 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 a tenth (11 per cent) see it as an excuse to have a blowout with football-loving family and friends, while 14 per cent argued 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.”