Merseyside & Manchester Supporters Join Fight Against Football Exploitation

Fans of Manchester and Liverpool’s Premier League teams will put their rivalries aside this weekend and join forces to tackle the exploitation of fan loyalty.

Manchester United host Everton at Old Trafford followed by Liverpool versus Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday 1st December.

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 £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.

Supporting the action, 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.”

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.”

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.”