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Anfield & Old Trafford protests planned over loyal fan ‘exploitation’

Fans of both Manchester and Merseyside clubs will do joint protests this weekend against the rising cost of tickets at Anfield and Old Trafford.

In a sign of unity across rival divides, groups from Manchester United, Liverpool, Everton, and Manchester City will highlight the “exploitation of loyal supporters” this weekend.

Action will also be taken outside the stadiums at Anfield and Old Trafford.

Ticket prices rise once again

The protests are planned after Man United announced they'd increase ticket prices by £66 and remove concessions for the remainder of this season. In a cruel twist of irony, the move comes the same week the Premier League announces a 17% increased broadcast rights deal, taking the total broadcast revenue to over £12 billion.

Another major factor in all of this is rumours that clubs are looking to challenge the £30 away ticket cap. However, all clubs agreed to maintain the cap in 2022.

The current nine-year agreement ends at the end of the current season. It is thought that a number of clubs are now looking to increase the £30 cap.

In a statement to the Daily Mail, Nick Clarke, spokesperson for the MCFC Fans Foodbank Support, 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.”

Anfield and Old Trafford protests

Manchester City fans will join the Liverpool fans in the Anfield protest on Sunday, with Everton fans doing the same at Old Trafford.

A spokesperson for the Man City group ‘FC58', added: “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.”

The Football Supporters' Association has also backed the plans: “The price hikes and attacks on concessionary prices that we've seen in the Premier League have led directly to our #StopExploitingLoyalty campaign and this weekend’s actions. To see supporters from rival clubs stand together to deliver this message is amazing and shows just how strongly fans feel – they have the FSA's full support.”

Protests are planned before the 13:30 kick-off at Old Trafford, while Anfield protests will take place before the 16:00 kick-off. Banners will be on display inside and outside of the stadiums.

Avatar of David Hollingsworth

David Hollingsworth

David has spent most of his writing life at the esports and video game grindstone. Working in the industry for over 15 years, travelling to events. He began writing about football five years ago, working for fan sites of his beloved Newcastle United. David is more than just a Toon fan, however, watching almost every Premier League and European game he can. Now living in Europe, he watches local football in Sweden, while travelling to the UK with his daughter when he can to watch matches.

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