English Premier League chief Richard Scudamore has waded into the row over the cost of watching English top-flight football by expressing concern over ticket prices.

Scudamore told BBC Radio Five’s Sportsweek program Manchester City fans had sent Arsenal “a message” after failing to sell their full allocation for Sunday’s match at the Emirates Stadium.

City, the reigning Premier League champions and long one of England’s best-supported clubs, returned 912 unsold tickets priced at STG62 ($A95) each to north London side Arsenal.

“I think they are sending Arsenal Football Club a very clear message,” Scudamore said, with the Gunners having previously come under fire from their own fans over the cost of tickets.

“Arsenal, when categorising games and setting prices next season, will have to take that into account,” Scudamore said.

“Arsenal clearly, along with every other club, want a full stadium and we at the Premier League would like every club to take up their away allocation.”

With the Premier League enjoying huge broadcasting revenues as a result of its global popularity – a recent deal with US television network NBC alone worth a reported $250 million – it has been suggested ticket prices at all clubs could be reduced without doing significant damage to their finances.

Scudamore said the issue was complex but stressed the league wanted to see as many away-fans as possible at matches.

“Over the last 15 years, we have managed to achieve 90 per cent occupancy. This year occupancy is up at 95 per cent and could well reach an all-time high this season.

“As a top priority, we must keep away-fans attending. Clearly it is for individual clubs to get that right.”