There are set to be fan protests at both Liverpool v Manchester City and Manchester United v Everton on Sunday
Fans of all four of the Premier League’s North West clubs are uniting on Sunday to protest against rising ticket prices ahead of the big Merseyside versus Manchester double header at opposite ends of the East Lancs Road. In a significant show of unity, fans of the quartet will highlight what they say is the “exploitation of loyal supporters,” as they go beyond their historic rivalries with protests that will see them “standing shoulder to shoulder.”
The Daily Mail reports that all but one Premier League club raised ticket prices this season and in the week that the competition’s new broadcast deal rose by 17% to £12.25billion, there is also a growing concern that some clubs are now targeting the £30 cap on away tickets.
As already reported in the ECHO on Wednesday, Everton fan group members are set to join some of their Manchester United counterparts outside Old Trafford at 12:30pm by the Trinity statue before their game to display a Stop Exploiting Loyalty banner after a decision from Red Devils chiefs to raise match ticket prices for members to £66 per game, without concessions, for the remainder of the season, without consulting any fan groups.
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In the later kick-off at Anfield, 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 Sir Kenny Dalglish stands at 3pm.
Dave Kelly from Everton Fans Supporting Foodbanks said: ‘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 to 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.”
Spirit of Shankly spokesman Gareth Roberts said: “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.”
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.”
Meanwhile, 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.”
