Football fans unite to protest rising ticket prices this weekend.©(@mufcMPB)
Fans from Everton, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Manchester United will unite this weekend in protest against rising ticket prices in football. The joint demonstration supports the Football Supporters Association (FSA) campaign to make football more affordable for fans.
Manchester United supporters plan to display a “Stop Exploiting Loyalty” banner alongside their Everton counterparts before the two teams face off at Old Trafford on Sunday at 13:30 GMT. At the same time, Liverpool and Manchester City will meet at Anfield, where fans from both clubs will also display similar banners protesting the hike in ticket prices.
Manchester United recently faced backlash after raising their mid-season ticket prices to £66 per match, with no concessions for children or pensioners. This decision has led to accusations that the club is exploiting loyal fans.
A Manchester United fan group 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 while protecting heritage and communities. The only way we can achieve this is through collaboration. This is our first step, and this movement will grow.”
Dave Kelly, an Everton Fans Supporting Foodbanks representative, expressed solidarity with the other supporters, saying, “This isn’t about the colour of the shirt or the badge on the chest. It’s about the future of the beautiful game, making it affordable for all fans.”
While Liverpool has raised ticket prices by 2% this season, Manchester City has increased their season ticket prices by an average of 5%. Fans argue that these increases come at a time when many supporters are facing financial difficulties.
Gareth Roberts, a spokesperson for Liverpool’s Spirit of Shankly fan group, condemned the price hikes, stating, “It’s time for clubs to remember that their wealth and success are built on the unwavering loyalty of their supporters. 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.”
Nick Clarke from MCFC Fans Foodbank Support added, “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.”
The protest represents a growing movement among football fans to ensure the game remains accessible for future generations while addressing the rising financial burden on supporters.
