Manchester City and Liverpool fans will protest high ticket prices this weekend.
The protests are linked to a new broadcast deal for the Premier League. This deal has raised the total value to £12.25 billion, which is a 17 percent increase. As a result, ticket sales are becoming less important for clubs’ finances.
Despite this, nearly all Premier League teams have raised their ticket prices for the 2024/25 season. Manchester United recently announced that new tickets for children and older fans will now cost £66 at Old Trafford.
According to MailSport’s Mike Keegan, fans from both Manchester and Liverpool will join forces. They want to protest against the rising ticket prices and what they see as the exploitation of loyal supporters.
At Anfield, fans from Liverpool’s Spirit of Shankly and Manchester City’s 1894 and MCFC Fans Foodbank Support will stand together. They will gather outside the foodbank collection point near the Kop and Kenny Dalglish stands.
Nick Clarke, a spokesperson for MCFC Fans Foodbank Support, expressed pride in this unity. He noted that there has been growing tension between City and Liverpool fans due to their rivalry. However, they are proud to stand together for this important cause.
Clarke emphasized that tribalism among fans prevents them from addressing real issues. He pointed out that working-class fans are being pushed out of the game. He believes that this trend can be reversed if fans unite.
Gareth Roberts, a spokesman for Spirit of Shankly, also shared his thoughts. He stated that clubs need to remember their success comes from loyal supporters. He highlighted that passionate support leads to flags, banners, and songs that energize the game.
Roberts warned that this support is at risk due to rising costs. He mentioned that prices for tickets, TV subscriptions, and even food at games are increasing. He called the price hikes an insult, especially when fans are facing financial challenges.
He expressed pride in joining Manchester fans in this campaign for fairness. Together, they aim to fight against the rising costs that threaten the spirit of football.
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