An estate agent’s sponsorship of a football club has gone down badly with some fans, who claim agents price London families out of home ownership.

Supporters of non-league Dulwich Hamlet have slated the club’s decision to strike a one-year commercial deal with Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward.

KFH previous sponsored the club’s youth teams, but has extended its backing to the first team.

KFH has offered free season tickets, worth £150, to those who buy or sell property through the firm.

Fans say this could change the complexion of those on the terraces.

Supporter Robert Vaughan, 34, said: “The sponsorship is a kick in the teeth to the efforts to drive the club forward by predominantly renting fans.

“The deal has embarrassed the club enormously. They have traded off a fan-created reputation for difference. It is stunningly short sighted and almost self-sabotaging.”

He added: “I want football to be escapism, not a reminder of how unlivable my home city has become.”

Another fan said the club should be looking to build a generation of supporters, and not appealing to the “temporary whims of some featureless TV producer” who has whacked £650,000 on a house in the area.

Officials at the club admit the season ticket offer has caused upset but say the deal is in the best interests of the club.

Commercial manager Liam Hickey, said: “Sponsorships are vital for football clubs at all levels, particularly those like Dulwich Hamlet who do not have the benefit of TV money. Raising income via good sponsorships and building relationships with local businesses is crucial for our survival.

“KFH has provided invaluable support to our youth teams over the last 18 months.

“This has allowed young players to thrive and helped the club produce the next batch of home grown players for the first team. The extension of that relationship to the main shirt sponsorship is a great deal for the club.

“The London football market is very crowded and we want to make Dulwich Hamlet the club of choice for the whole community. This partnership will help grow our profile in the community and welcome those who are new to it.”

“This is just one part of a number of community initiatives that KFH undertake across London and their commitment is a reflection of how the club has raised its profile with its own award winning initiatives.”

Here are some of the  fans’ reactions