Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Manchester United fans are planning a protest before Sunday’s derby over the club’s season ticket banning crackdown.
Manchester United’s investigation into ‘touting’ began in July and consequently led to innocent fans being caught in the crossfire.
Although United described their operation as ‘successful’, it has left a sour taste in the mouths of fans as well as a breakdown in fan relations. One member of the Fans’ Forum left his role before the beginning of the 2026/27 season.
Unity was shown among United fan groups, but sadly it fell on deaf ears. However, The 1958 have announced a protest ahead of the Manchester derby on Sunday.
Old Trafford aerial view
Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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Manchester United fans plan protest before derby
The 1958 have announced they will protest against the ‘season ticket banning crackdown’ before the Manchester derby.
They rightly feel ‘a line has been crossed’ by the owners of the club, who are making it more difficult for fans to follow their beloved club with each passing year.
A spokesman confirmed: “Manchester United supporter groups are being called upon to all stand together following reports of bans and season ticket sanctions without clear and compelling evidence always being presented.
“For generations, match-going Reds have given their time, money and loyalty to Manchester United, home and away. That loyalty deserves to be treated with respect.”
The problem with United’s ticketing fiasco is that they don’t understand the significance of fan culture and why it needs to be preserved for future generations.
Unfortunately, it feels like the club has made up its mind, without any signs of a U-turn. Fans still have every right to voice their anger at recent decisions.
⚡️ KEY TAKEAWAYS
The 1958 announce plans for the first protest at Old Trafford this season
Manchester United fans have been urged to unite against the season ticket banning crackdown
Fans’ loyalty deserves to be treated with respect
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Man Utd protest details
Fans have been urged to gather peacefully outside The Bishops Blaize pub near Old Trafford from 3 pm on Sunday.
That gives everyone a chance to protest an hour before kick-off, unless there are disruptions around that, as we saw during the 2021 European Super League protests at Old Trafford.
The spokesperson added: “This is not about one group or one individual. It is about how Manchester United treats its match-going supporters. It may not affect you today, it may not next time but that day is coming for all of us.
“ALL REDS. ALL GROUPS. ONE VOICE. SHOW THE EVIDENCE. LIFT THE BANS.
“Supporters are now facing serious sanctions which can remove their right to attend matches. We believe nobody should face such action without being told clearly what they are accused of and being shown the evidence used to justify it.
“This goes beyond individual supporters or supporter groups. If this approach is allowed to stand, it should concern every match-going Red.
“Whatever differences have existed between supporter groups in the past, this is a time to put them aside. A call has gone out for Manchester United supporter groups, Fans’ Forum representatives, supporters’ clubs and independent fan organisations to stand together on a simple principle:
“If there is clear, substantive evidence of serious wrongdoing or organised ticket touting, show it. No loyal supporter should be treated as guilty without being given a fair opportunity to understand and challenge the case against them.”