Liverpool and Manchester City fans are set to join forces in a protest against escalating ticket prices, ahead of their crucial match at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
Despite the Reds leading the Premier League table by eight points over the reigning champions, supporters will momentarily put aside their rivalries, including those with local adversaries Everton and Manchester United, to make a powerful statement against what they perceive as "exploitation of loyal supporters".
With all but one Premier League club increasing their season ticket prices this season, there's growing concern that some clubs are now targeting the cap on away tickets in the top flight. Liverpool's Spirit of Shankly will unite with City's 1894 and MCFC Fans Foodbank Support.
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This follows a similar protest at Old Trafford, where Manchester United and Everton fans displayed a Stop Exploiting Loyalty banner by the Trinity statue before their game. Spirit of Shankly spokesman Gareth Roberts stated: "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."
The spokesperson for MCFC Fans Foodbank Support, Nick Clarke, expressed his views on the issue, saying: "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.
"There's been increasing animosity between City and Liverpool fans in recent years due to the rivalry on the pitch, so we're incredibly proud to stand together on this important issue."
"Tribalism holds football fans back from addressing the real threats to the game we built - working-class fans are being priced out before our eyes. We can reverse this trend."