Fans of both clubs are believed to be planning protests for the clash at Anfield
A 'Stop Exploiting Loyalty' banner was displayed during matches on December 1
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By BEN WILLCOCKS
Published: 05:00 EST, 19 December 2024 | Updated: 05:00 EST, 19 December 2024
Manchester United and Liverpool fans are set to come together to protest rising ticket prices when the bitter rivals face off in the Premier League next month, a report has claimed.
Supporters of both clubs are believed to be planning demonstrations during the clash at Anfield on January 5, having each already campaigned against ticket hikes this month.
The move comes amid growing resentment among fans over Manchester United's decision to raise the price of tickets for members to £66 and scrap concessions for children and pensioners.
United fans displayed a 'Stop Exploiting Loyalty' banner during their Premier League match with Everton on December 1, with Toffees supporters joining forces to protest the increase as well.
Meanwhile, fans of Liverpool and Manchester City also came together during their match that weekend.
The Reds are pushing ahead with their plan to increase ticket prices by two per cent from next season.
Manchester United and Liverpool fans are set to come together to protest rising ticket prices. Pictured: Red Devils supporters display a banner during their match against Everton this month
Fans of both clubs are believed to be planning protests for the clash at Anfield on January 5
Now, according to the Telegraph, representatives from Liverpool supporters' union Spirit of Shankly (SOS) and Man United fan group FC58 have held talks to organise a similar demonstration during their Premier League meeting next month.
Another 'Stop Exploiting Loyalty' banner is expected to be displayed before and during the match, with a protest before kick-off set to surround Anfield once again.
'As fierce as the rivalry is, United and Liverpool fans coming together sends a very powerful message,' FC58 representative Steve Crompton told the newspaper.
'It’s a worrying time for traditional fans. The atmosphere is disappearing because ordinary match-going fans are dropping by the wayside because of rising tickets prices and the exploitation of loyalty.'
'It’s akin to being in an abusive relationship – there is only so much you can take before you walk away. Sadly that is happening far too much now.'
Meanwhile, Gareth Roberts of SOS said: 'I’ve grown up in an area where Manchester United was this team that you hate.
'The rivalry is deep-seated but this transcends all that. There is a common cause here and a lot that unites us, one being the social and economic challenges in both cities.
'Where Anfield is, where Old Trafford is – and where Goodison Park and the Etihad Stadium are – these are all areas that have big challenges.
Anger was vented by United supporters against the Glazer family and Ratcliffe on December 1
One banner read: 'Local lad Sir Jim charges £66 for OAPs + juniors. Stop exploiting loyalty'
'Fans that are within the postcode of the club should be able to go and watch their club and more and more we’re getting to a place where that’s not the case for a lot of people.'
Manchester United part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe alarmed fans by insisting that it does not make sense for an Old Trafford ticket to cost less than one at Fulham.
‘I don't think it makes sense for a Manchester United ticket to cost less than a ticket to see Fulham,’ Ratcliffe told the United We Stand fanzine.
‘I don’t want to end up in a position where the genuine local fans can't afford to come, but I do want to optimise the ticketing,’ he said.
‘We need to find a balance. And you can't be popular all the time either.
‘Here, we're talking about three per cent of the tickets. That's not the issue. The issue, as you say, is whether this is the thin edge of the wedge [for more raises in future].’
The mid-season hike on tickets is the latest measure in Ratcliffe and Ineos' ongoing drive to cut costs and increase revenues.
United say that only three per cent of supporters will be affected as 97 per cent of tickets for all remaining matches have already been sold – and officials are adamant that nothing has yet been decided for next season.