£385 to meet Gazza? That's daft as a brush

VIP passes for the event at Wolverhampton Civic Hall on November 30 cost a staggering £385, including a £35 booking fee.

For that price, fans get a photo with Gazza, an England shirt signed by the man himself, front row seats and a buffet.

However, Boxfrog Promotions, the organisers behind the event, have been selling the same VIP packages for £355 – with a booking fee of just £5 – more than 10 days prior to them being made available through the venue itself.

The Civic introduced the controversial 10 per cent booking fee in 2013 and a statement on its website says the fee 'helps to cover the cost of processing bookings, operating the ticketing software and computer network. It also assists in keeping music and comedy live in the Black Country.'

However, those booking VIP packages will end up paying £34 more in administration costs than people who go for the cheapest £10 tickets.

A second tier VIP package, with a photo and buffet, is priced at £100 from the Civic but also carries a £10 booking fee.

Other seats can be bought for either £22 or £11, including the relevant fees.

However, it appears that the fallen footballer's appeal has not kicked off a huge rush for tickets, with the Civic's own website still having more than 1,800 available last night since they went on sale on Wednesday.

The front rows appear full, but this could be as they are being reserved for the VIP packages.

Civic Hall boss Mark Blackstock said: "Everyone remembers the fun he brought to football. I am sure it will be a great night and a thrill for the city."

Boxfrog specialises in high-profile sporting appearances. Ricky Hatton will also appear at the Civic, with meet and greet tickets for his show on December 21 costing £82.50.

Gazza, 48, has led a turbulent life since capturing the nation's hearts at Italia 90 and once came close to signing for Wolves, as well as battling well-documented addictions.