Fans will join forces outside of Old Trafford to rally against ticket price increases
Fans will join forces outside of Old Trafford to rally against ticket price increases
Fans from both Manchester clubs, Liverpool and Everton will all put aside their rivalries and join forces this weekend to protest against rising ticket prices.
Protests will be carried out outside both Old Trafford and Anfield on Sunday, with supporters across some of England's greatest clubs coming to ‘stand shoulder to shoulder’. Fans are wanting to highlight what they claim is the ‘exploitation of loyal supporters’.
Earlier this week, Manchester United stated they were increasing prices to £66 for a ticket and abolishing concessions for the rest of the season. Nineteen of the 20 top-flight clubs have raised ticket prices this season. There is also a mounting concern that some clubs are now targeting the £30 cap on away tickets, reports the Daily Mail.
Those organising the protest say United’s price hike, which comes alongside the major cost-cutting measures already put in place by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, came in the same week that the Premier League ’s new broadcast rights deal rose by 17 per cent to a mammoth £12.25billion.
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At Old Trafford, United group FC58 will hold an anti-exploitation banner alongside travelling Evertonians at the Trinity Statue outside Old Trafford. Hours later, Liverpool’s Spirit of Shankly will join City’s 1894 and MCFC Fans Foodbank Support outside the foodbank collection point near the corner of the Kop and Kenny Dalglish stands.
Spirit of Shankly spokesman Gareth Roberts said: "It’s time for clubs to remember that their wealth and success are built on the unwavering loyalty of their supporters. That passionate support that fuels the creation of flags and banners, of songs, and vocal backing, comes from generational commitment to the cause.
"That support is being threatened by the price of football – from tickets to TV subscriptions, even down to the prices of food and drink on the concourse. Raising prices when financial pressures on fans are at an all-time high is an insult. We’re proud to unite with fans from Manchester in this campaign to fight for fairness."
Man Utd's decisions around their ticket prices have been widely criticised
Dave Kelly from Everton Fans Supporting Foodbanks added: "The cost of living crisis becomes ever greater. With children going to school hungry, parents skipping meals and the cost of match tickets out of reach to some of the most passionate and loyal fans in our communities.
"We are delighted to be standing shoulder with the Reds and Blues from Manchester and Merseyside. This isn't about the colour of the shirt or the badge upon the chest. It's about the future of the beautiful game, protecting and making it affordable for all fans."
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