Liverpool, Everton, Manchester United and Manchester City supporters will join forces this weekend to protest against rising Premier League ticket prices.
Fans of the four clubs will put rivalries aside to show their support for the Football Supporters’ Association’s #StopExploitingLoyalty campaign.
United and Everton fans will come together to protest outside Old Trafford before Sunday’s 1.30pm kick-off (UK time). Liverpool and City supporters will do likewise prior to the 4pm kick-off at Anfield with banners being displayed both inside and outside the grounds.
Organisers say it is a response to rising ticket prices and the erosion of concessionary rates. Earlier this week it emerged that United were removing discounted rates for children and seniors with some tickets increasing from £25 to £66.
There is also growing concern that some clubs are targeting the £30 cap on away tickets — despite the Premier League’s broadcast and commercial revenue rising by 17 per cent to £12.25billion for 2025 t0 2028.
“It’s time for clubs to remember that their wealth and success are built on the unwavering loyalty of their supporters,” says Gareth Roberts, spokesman for Liverpool supporters’ union Spirit of Shankly.
“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 adds: “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 show of solidarity will start at Old Trafford on Sunday with fans meeting at the Trinity Statue at 12:30pm.
A spokesman for United fan group FC58 says: “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 collaboration. This is our first step. This movement will grow.”
Dave Kelly, from Everton Fans Supporting Foodbanks, adds: “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.
“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.”
(Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images)
