At least one in five football fans have been forced into debt to cover the cost of following their team, it has been found.

Research has revealed that the cost of being a football supporter rose by 15 per cent over the past year.

Virgin Money’s football fans’ inflation index revealed that those in debt borrow an average of £682 to follow their passion, with up to 20 per cent owing between £1,000 and £2,500.

It was further found that Arsenal fans have accumulated their highest debt, with average football-related borrowings of £1,284.

Manchester United fans followed closely with an average of £1,231.

West Ham and Aston Villa, it was reported, have the most fans in the red at 27 per cent, while Everton, Manchester United and Manchester City fans close behind with 26 per cent each.

"Football fans can ill afford rising costs to follow their team, which explains why so many have borrowed to make end meets," explained spokesman for Virgin Money Grant Bather.