thefsa.org.uk

#StopExploitingLoyalty – PL protests hit the back pages

Posted on 6th December 2024

It’s been a busy week for supporters’ groups across the Premier League with another week of #StopExploitingLoyalty protests at top-flight games.

Supporters involved want to make clear their anger at price rises, attacks on concessions and a general feeling that loyalty is simply not understood or appreciated at the top of many clubs who see matchgoers simply as a resource to be exploited.

#StopExploitingLoyalty is the FSA response to that and this campaign would not be possible without the fantastic action at supporters’ groups across the country.

If you’d like to get involved with that let us know and we’ll pass your details on to those club-specific groups organising actions inside and outside of stadiums.

There’s a real sense of solidarity and momentum building across the league which has spilled over into some fantastic media coverage lately – spreading the word that high ticket prices and attacks on concessions will not be accepted by supporters.

Lots going on and we’ve rounded up the action below – see more #StopExploitingLoyality on Twitter/X.

Man Utd fans chanted against both Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group and the Glazer family ahead of their game with Everton.

Matchday ticket prices were raised to £66 per game this week with no concessions for children or pensioners. pic.twitter.com/cEfreY3T3Y

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 1, 2024

I SPORT: We’ve had enough #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/pTegipkSUB

— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) December 2, 2024

Gareth Roberts (Spirit of Shankly):

“The collective action of the North West’s biggest clubs transcending rivalries has drawn significant attention, reminding us of the power fans have when united for a common cause. Many fans have shared how rising costs are pricing them out of attending games, making it particularly difficult to take children. This widespread coverage and support underline the importance of our message: football must remain accessible to the fans who are its lifeblood.”

🗣️ “Stop exploiting our loyalty”#Liverpool and #ManCity fans have come together at Anfield to protest against rising ticket prices across the #PremierLeague. @RobboHuyton from @SpiritofShankly spoke to @NathanMurf about why fans are feeling exploited. ⬇️@WilliamHillIRE pic.twitter.com/cRF8qN69Xq

— Off The Ball (@offtheball) December 1, 2024

Adam Stoker (Newcastle United Supporters Trust):

“We’ve seen that clubs are determined to see what they can get away with and fans understand the importance of our united voice to resist these increases across the league. As fans our impact is often underestimated, it’s important that we appreciate what we can do as a collective united on specific issues which impact us all.”

Martin Cloake (Save Our Seniors):

“Spurs’ rationale of there being too many season-ticket holders who qualify for the senior concession rate, and that’s not sustainable, basically means “fans are not dying off quickly enough to make the money we need to make”. It’s insulting and crass. Spurs haven’t made a move against junior concessions. I suspect they are going to come for that next.”

Andy Payne (Hammers United):

“We adopted the FSA’s #StopExploitingLoyalty motto and have had joint protests with fans from Man City, Spurs, Ipswich, Liverpool, Arsenal, Forest, Everton, Leicester City, Man Utd and Newcastle and have flown our Black Bubbles (balloons to signify the death of concessions) at all of our away games this season. The unity and solidarity has been incredible and heralds a new era of cross-club fan co-operation. We will continue to stand with other fans, not least Wolves and Bournemouth in the next week and plenty more planned until we get our concessions back.”

Simon Kay (Talking Cherries):

“Our football clubs are our community and fundamental to the well-being of so many fans. We stand in support of those that need it to enable their clubs to #StopExploitingLoyalty”

Steve Crompton (The 1958):

“Unless everyone makes a stand then there will be no more rivalries, atmospheres will decay, communities will be cut adrift from their own clubs and working class heritage will be lost forever. The game will become unaffordable to its own communities. Those are the stakes for every football fan in this country. We will continue to fight and campaign hard for a full reversal of this outrageous decision and for the future of our national game with all FSA members.”

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