Fans of Everton, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United will join forces this weekend to protest rising ticket prices.
In support of a campaign by the Football Supporters Association (FSA), Manchester United fans plan to display a banner reading “Stop Exploiting Loyalty” alongside their Everton counterparts before their teams play at Old Trafford on Sunday (13:30 GMT).
Liverpool host Manchester City at 16:00 GMT on the same day and fans of both clubs will also display banners with a similar message at the match between their clubs.
Manchester United have been accused of exploiting fans after making a mid-season decision to increase match day ticket prices to £66 per game, with no concessions for children or pensioners.
“The rivalry between these four clubs has been, and is, fierce. But we all go to the games, we love our club and we want to keep football affordable for future generations, while protecting heritage and communities,” said a spokesperson for the Manchester United FC58 fans group. .
“The only way to achieve this is collaboration. This is our first step. This movement will grow.”
Dave Kelly. from Everton fans supporting food banks. said: “We are delighted to be alongside the Red and Blue of Manchester and Merseyside.
“It’s not about the color of the jersey or the badge on the chest. It’s about the future of the beautiful game, protecting it and making it affordable for all fans.”
Liverpool have increased the price of tickets by 2% for this season, while City increased the price of their season tickets, external on an average of 5%.
“It’s time for clubs to remember that their wealth and success is built on the unwavering loyalty of their fans,” said Gareth Roberts, spokesman for Liverpool supporters group Spirit of Shankly.
“Increasing prices when financial pressures on fans are at their highest is an insult. We are proud to join Manchester fans in this campaign to fight for justice.”
MCFC Fans Foodbank Support spokesperson Nick Clarke said: “There has been growing animosity between City and Liverpool fans in recent years due to the rivalry on the pitch, so we are incredibly proud to be together. on this important topic.
“Tribalism prevents football fans from addressing real threats to the game we built – working class fans are being discarded before our eyes. We can reverse this trend.”
