The English football giants of Manchester and Merseyside put their century-old rivalries on the line once again in the Premier League on Sunday.
Manchester United hosted Everton at Old Trafford, while Liverpool welcomed Manchester City to Anfield. The four clubs have 58 league titles between them.
But partisanship was set aside before kickoff at both matches as fans unveiled banners backing the Football Supporters Association's #StopExploitingLoyalty campaign.
Supporters gathered outside Old Trafford's iconic "Holy Trinity" status of George Best, Bobby Charlton and Denis Law, chanting in protest against both the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
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Why are Man United fans protesting against Jim Ratcliffe?
The target of their ire is rising ticket prices. Nineteen of the 20 Premier League clubs put their prices up last season and United announced this week that member tickets would cost £66 for the rest of this season.
Concession and OAP reduced prices have been removed for those fans wanting to purchase those tickets and attend Old Trafford on a one-off basis. Those tickets previously started at £40 for adults and £25 for children.
Protests outside Old Trafford against ticket price rises at Manchester United and across the Premier League. Chants targeting owners Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazers. #StopExploitingLoyalty pic.twitter.com/NvfT1IJTq4
— James Nalton (@JDNalton) December 1, 2024
It was the same story at Anfield, where City and Liverpool fans came together an hour before kick-off in a blockbuster clash. At both protests, supporters displayed #StopExploitingLoyalty banners, which were then taken inside both stadia.
“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," said Nick Clarke from the MCFC Fans Foodbank Support group.
"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 protestors feel this is a particularly important week to make their point after the Premier League's new broadcast rights deal rose by 17% to £12.25 billion ($15.6m).
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.”
