'Terry's wage is obscene'

John Terry's salary has been branded "obscene" by Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe.

The England captain became the Premier League's biggest earner in the summer when he signed a new contract.

Mr Sutcliffe, whose figures have been contested by the men from Stamford Bridge, said: "Good luck to John Terry but I think it is obscene.

"I understand that a footballer's career is limited in time but people in the street cannot understand salaries like that.

"Chelsea are £250 million in the red and they may be able to cope with that but it's not the real world. £250 million in the red is not sustainable."

Manchester United have also been criticised for hiking their ticket prices.

The Sports Minister added: "This year Manchester United increased their season tickets by 13 per cent and said fans have to automatically buy European and Carling Cup games as well and that costs an extra £200. That's taking the game away from the ordinary grass-roots supporter.

"Ordinary working people who want go and see Manchester United face being priced out. There is a danger that there will be a move away from the game and we don't want to be in a position where people are alienated."

Sutcliffe said the Government would not interfere with the running of football, such as by trying to impose salary caps, but said he wanted to act as "a critical friend".

© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.

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