- Protests will be carried out outside Old Trafford and Anfield on Sunday
- Man United are increasing ticket prices to £66 and are abolishing concessions
- Liverpool correspondent LEWIS STEELE tells all on bombshell chat with Mo Salah – LISTEN NOW to It’s All Kicking Off! New episodes every Monday and Thursday
Fans of both Manchester and Merseyside clubs will put aside rivalries and join forces this weekend to protest against rising ticket prices.
In a significant show of unity, followers of Manchester United and Everton and Liverpool and Manchester City will highlight what they say is the ‘exploitation of loyal supporters’.
Protests will be carried out outside both Old Trafford and Anfield on Sunday, with supporters across English football’s great divide ‘standing shoulder to shoulder’.
Earlier this week, it emerged that United were increasing prices to £66 for a ticket and abolishing concessions for the rest of the season. All but one top flight club raised ticket prices this season.
Organisers say United’s move came in the same week that the Premier League’s new broadcast rights deal rose by 17 per cent to a ‘staggering £12.25bn’.
There is also a growing concern that some clubs are now targeting the £30 cap on away tickets in the top flight.
At Old Trafford United group FC58 will hold an anti-exploitation banner alongside travelling Evertonians at the Trinity Statue outside Old Trafford.
In the later kick-off, fans from Liverpool’s Spirit of Shankly will join City’s 1894 and MCFC Fans Foodbank Support outside the foodbank collection point near the corner of the Kop and Kenny Dalglish stands.
MCFC Fans Foodbank Support spokesperson Nick Clarke said: ‘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.’
Spirit of Shankly spokesman Gareth Roberts added: ‘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.
‘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.’
An FC58 spokesperson said: ‘The rivalry between these four clubs has been, and is fierce. But we all go to games, love our club and want to keep football affordable for future generations whilst protecting heritage and communities.
‘The only way we can achieve this is collaboration. This is our first step. This movement will grow.’
Dave Kelly from Everton Fans Supporting Foodbanks added: ‘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 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.’
The Football Supporters’ Association’s Thomas Concannon added: ‘The price hikes and attacks on concessionary prices that we’ve seen in the Premier League have led directly to our #StopExploitingLoyalty campaign and this weekend’s actions.
‘To see supporters from rival clubs stand together to deliver this message is amazing and shows just how strongly fans feel – they have the FSA’s full support.’
