This Sunday, the famous four of England’s two greatest footballing cities, Manchester and Liverpool – boasting a combined 58 top-flight league titles – will clash on the pitch in two pivotal Premier League fixtures.
Manchester United host Everton at Old Trafford (1:30pm), followed by Liverpool versus Manchester City at Anfield (4pm).
While historic rivalries between the cities often dominate headlines, this weekend sees fans of all four clubs putting aside their long-standing differences to unite behind a common cause: tackling the exploitation of loyal supporters.
Fan groups from all four clubs are joining forces to support the Football Supporters Association’s (FSA) #StopExploitingLoyalty campaign, which highlights soaring ticket prices, the erosion of concessionary rates, and above-inflation increases that are pricing out the very people who form the backbone of English football culture.
It comes in the same week the Premier League’s new broadcast rights deal rose by 17% to a staggering £12.25bn – further diminishing the significance of general admission ticket income to clubs’ finances.
Yet, despite this, all but one Premier League club raised ticket prices last season, and this week, Manchester United announced that all new tickets for children and older fans at Old Trafford will increase to £66.
There is also growing concern that some clubs are now targeting the £30 cap on away tickets in the Premier League, threatening to dismantle one of the last safeguards for fans, many of whom make multiple financial sacrifices to continue supporting their club.
Football does not have a revenue problem; it has a spending problem – and loyal supporters should not bear the cost.
Sunday’s Actions
Old Trafford: At 12:30pm, Manchester United fan groups FC58 will hold a #StopExploitingLoyalty banner alongside travelling Everton fans and Fans Supporting Foodbanks representatives at the Trinity Statue outside Old Trafford.
Anfield: At 3pm, Spirit of Shankly and Liverpool fans will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Manchester City’s 1894 and MCFC Fans Foodbank Support outside the Fans Supporting Foodbanks collection point near the corner of the Kop and Kenny Dalglish stands at Anfield.
Banners inside and outside the grounds will highlight their shared message: enough is enough – Stop Exploiting Loyalty.
Quotes from Supporter Groups
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.”
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.”
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.”
Dave Kelly from Everton Fans Advisory Board 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 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.”
The FSA’s Thomas Concannon added:
“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.”
