Fans from four major football clubs will join forces to protest escalating ticket prices, with Manchester United supporters leading the charge this Sunday. The protest will take place at Old Trafford before Manchester United’s match against Everton at 13:30 GMT, with fans from both clubs displaying a banner that reads ‘Stop Exploiting Loyalty’. The Football Supporters Association (FSA) backs this demonstration as part of a wider campaign.
Later that day, Liverpool supporters will join the cause during their match against Manchester City, scheduled for 16:00 GMT. Fans of both clubs will also raise similar banners calling for an end to rising ticket costs.
The focal point of the protest is Manchester United’s recent decision to hike matchday ticket prices to £66 per game, a move that has drawn criticism for its lack of concessions for children and pensioners. This increase has prompted accusations that the club is exploiting its fanbase, prompting fan groups to take a stand.
“The rivalry between these four clubs has always been fierce, but today we’re standing together for a common cause,” said a spokesperson for Manchester United’s FC58 group. “We all love our clubs, but we also want to ensure that football remains affordable for future generations while preserving its heritage and the communities built around it.”
Everton Fans Supporting Foodbanks’ Dave Kelly echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the protest isn’t about rivalry but about protecting the future of the game. “It’s about keeping football accessible for everyone, regardless of where you live or which team you support,” he said.
Liverpool have also raised ticket prices for the current season, with a 2% increase, while Manchester City’s season ticket prices rose by an average of 5%. Critics argue that these hikes come at a time when fans are facing financial pressures like never before.
Gareth Roberts, spokesperson for Liverpool fan group Spirit of Shankly, criticized the price increases, stating, “It’s time for clubs to remember that their wealth and success are built on the unwavering loyalty of their supporters. Raising prices at a time of such financial strain is an insult.”
Fans from Manchester and Merseyside have hailed their unity as a significant step in pushing back against the growing trend of unaffordable ticket prices. MCFC Fans Foodbank Support spokesperson Nick Clarke emphasized that despite the intense rivalry on the pitch, fans must come together to tackle the real issue facing the game. “Tribalism only divides us, while rising costs are pricing working-class fans out of the game they built. We can reverse this trend if we stand united,” Clarke said.
The protest marks the beginning of a growing movement aimed at protecting the future of football for all fans.
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