Fans of Manchester and Merseyside clubs to stage protest this weekend against ‘exploitation of loyal supporters’ – with demonstrations against ticket price rises at Old Trafford and Anfield

Fans of Manchester and Merseyside clubs will put rivalries aside and join forces this weekend to protest rising ticket prices.

In a significant show of unity, fans of Manchester United, Everton, Liverpool and Manchester City will highlight what they say is the “exploitation of loyal fans”.

Protests will take place outside Old Trafford and Anfield on Sunday, with supporters from across English football’s top division “standing shoulder to shoulder”.

Earlier this week it emerged that United were increasing prices to £66 per ticket and abolishing concessions for the rest of the season. All but one top-flight club has raised ticket prices this season.

Organizers say United’s move came the same week the Premier League’s new broadcast rights deal increased by 17 per cent to a “staggering £12.25bn”.

There is also growing concern that some clubs are now targeting the £30 limit on away tickets in the top flight.

At Old Trafford, the United FC58 group will hold an anti-exploitation banner alongside Evertonians traveling at the Trinity Statue outside Old Trafford.

In the latest kick-off, Liverpool’s Spirit of Shankly fans 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 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 issue.”

‘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.”

Spirit of Shankly spokesperson Gareth Roberts added: “It’s time for clubs to remember that their wealth and success is built on the unwavering loyalty of their fans. It’s that passionate support that drives the creation of flags and banners, of songs and vocal accompaniments, comes from generational commitment to the cause.

‘That support is threatened by the price of football: from tickets to television subscriptions, and even the prices of food and drink on the concourse. Raising 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.”

An FC58 spokesperson said: “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 the heritage and the communities.

‘The only way to achieve this is collaboration. This is our first step. This movement will grow.”

Dave Kelly, of Everton Fans Supporting Foodbanks, added: “The cost of living crisis is getting bigger.” Children go to school hungry, parents skip meals, and the cost of game tickets is out of reach for some of the most passionate and loyal fans in our communities.

“We are delighted to be alongside the Red and Blue of Manchester and Merseyside.

‘It’s not about the color of the shirt or the badge on the chest. “This is about the future of the beautiful game, protecting it and making it affordable for all fans.”

Thomas Concannon, of the Football Supporters’ Association, added: “The price rises and attacks on preferential pricing we have seen in the Premier League have led directly to our #StopExploitingLoyalty campaign and this weekend’s actions.”

“To see supporters of rival clubs coming together to get this message across is amazing and shows how strongly the fans feel – they have the full support of the FSA.”