Supporters of both clubs will hold a demonstration against the rising cost of the beautiful game to match-going fans
Sport
Manchester United's Old Trafford
Manchester United's Old Trafford(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Everton supporters will join with Manchester United fans outside Old Trafford for a high-profile protest.
The demonstration will be the latest example of concerted efforts to highlight the "exploitation of loyal supporters” in the beautiful game.
It will be the latest event backed by Everton fans, who joined Fulham supporters at Goodison Park last month in a similar move. Sunday will also see Liverpool and Manchester City supporters join forces to make the same point outside Anfield before their game.
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The protest is part of a pre-planned day of action to highlight the wider issue of rising prices and is not a result of the release of Everton’s season ticket prices for next season, the club’s first at its stunning new waterfront home, on Friday evening.
Rising ticket prices have come against the backdrop of the Premier League’s new broadcast deal rising by 17% to £12.25billion, amid a growing concern that some clubs are now targeting the £30 cap on away tickets, and as some clubs, including Man Utd, have started to remove concession prices for certain age groups. Everton have retained that approach in their new prices, maintaining cheaper ticket prices for different age groups, including pensioners.
Everton fan group members are set to join some of their Manchester United counterparts outside Old Trafford at 12:30pm by the Trinity statue before their game to display a Stop Exploiting Loyalty banner after a decision from Red Devils chiefs to raise match ticket prices for members to £66 per game, without concessions, for the remainder of the season.
The move was taken without consulting any fan groups.
Dave Kelly, from Everton Fans Supporting Foodbanks, said earlier this week: ‘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 to 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.”