Culture, Media and Sport Minister Janet Anderson told the House of Commons that the government was not opposed to pay-per-view in principle.

But she went on: "The government believes it is important that it should not develop at the expense of the general viewer."

During a short debate, she said: "Sport must guard against eating into its own audiences by rushing into pay-per-view.

"Football still takes the largest part of its income through the turnstile and it must guard against alienating the fans who make the effort to attend matches."

Labour's Brian White, a Tottenham Hotspur supporter, opened the debate saying pay-per-view must provide additional choice.

He urged caution in cases where pay-per-view replaced existing provision.

'Learn from abroad'

The minister said that football must learn the lessons of foreign leagues. The introduction of pay-per-view in Italy had led to a drop in match attendances.

She added: "British football must be careful. The government is sure the point is not lost by those deciding future broadcasting contracts."

Some MPs have been alarmed at BSkyB's bid to buy Manchester United, fearing it will lead to monopolies over broadcasting top matches.