Europe's 20 highest-earning clubs brought in combined matchday revenues of more than €2billion for the first time last season, amid fan protests over rising ticket pricing.

A report published by Deloitte on Thursday showed the 20 clubs in its so-called Football Money League earned a combined €2.1bn (£1.8bn) from matchdays across the 2023/24 season.

That made matchday income the fastest-growing revenue stream, with matchday revenues up 11 per cent on the previous season. Matchday revenue now accounts for 18 per cent of clubs’ total revenue, a larger share than in the 2014/15 season.

The report from Deloitte comes during a time of frustration from a lot of supporters, particularly in England, over hiked ticket prices and the increased cost of following football. Nine of the 20 clubs Deloitte used to compile its data are from England.

Of the nine English clubs, only Tottenham did not enjoy an increase in matchday revenue in 2023/24 compared to the previous season.

Longer runs in domestic and European cup competitions and expanding stadiums to increase their capacity are other examples of ways some clubs have managed to bring in more revenue.

Data from November showed that the average Premier League ticket price is now £38, up 18.75 per cent from where the figure stood prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Deloitte’s data shows Real Madrid are the only club with a sharper rise in matchday income than England’s richest clubs, and that is explained by the completion of renovations to their iconic Bernabeu stadium. The next four biggest percentage increases were all enjoyed by English clubs.

The Football Supporters' Association (FSA) said in a statement: “Looking back to Covid when stadiums were closed to fans, we often heard that 'football was nothing without fans' thanks to the noise and atmosphere we generate. Football in an empty stadium isn't the same.

“Almost five years later it does feel like that lesson has been forgotten as almost every top-flight club bumped up prices last season, concessions for young and old fans are under attack, and the Premier League's own data shows prices have jumped 19 per cent since 2020.”

It is expected that data will show continued revenue rises from this season, too, thanks in part to the expansion of UEFA club competitions in the men’s game in involve more teams.

Tim Bridge, lead partner in the Deloitte Sports Business Group, said: “As competitions expand and create more broadcast and matchday opportunities, these can further increase the earning potential for clubs.

“At a time where there is more demand than ever for a greater number of matchdays, this must be balanced with player welfare, as they ultimately bring the on-field success that can earn clubs many further rewards off-field.”

Real Madrid stay top of the Money League for another season, having become the first club to top €1bn of revenue for a single season.

Manchester City stayed second, and Manchester United climbed one place to fourth. Arsenal are seventh, Liverpool eighth, Tottenham ninth, Chelsea 10th, Newcastle 15th, West Ham 17th and Aston Villa, featuring for the first time, ranked in 18th place.