Log In

Liverpool and Man City fans find common cause ahead of Premier League clash - Yahoo Sport

Published 3 weeks ago3 minute read

#StopExploitingLoyalty banner held aloft at the Etihad.

-Credit:BBC Sport

Liverpool and Manchester City fans stood in solidarity ahead of Sunday’s Premier League fixture to protest against the spiraling cost of ticket prices in the English top flight.

Of the 20 Premier League clubs, only Crystal Palace opted against raising the cost of tickets ahead of this season, with the removal of concessions, inability to purchase season tickets and burgeoning number of commercial seats a cause of concern for loyal supporters across the Premier League who feel they are being priced out.

Protests have been widespread throughout the campaign, including ahead of the fixture between Liverpool and City at Anfield in December. A repeat of those scenes took place on Sunday at the Etihad, with fans from both sides meeting ahead of the game and stand behind a #StopExploitingLoyalty banner.

READ MORE: Liverpool team vs Man City confirmed as Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz decisions made

READ MORE: Jamie Carragher clarifies Erling Haaland comments with cheeky dig ahead of Man City vs Liverpool

That same banner was brought into the ground and the message held aloft ahead of the game, stretching across the home and away sections in a continuing sign of solidarity for the rival fans.

It comes in a week when Liverpool supporters were informed that ticket costs will not rise ahead of the 2025/26 season following consultation between the club and supporters’ groups. Despite that, prominent fan group Spirit of Shankly have called for more action and continue to champion the cause of other affected fanbases.

“This freeze is progress. But our fight for fairer ticketing, lower prices, and the preservation of football culture continues,” it claimed.

“As part of the national Stop Exploiting Loyalty campaign, we stand alongside other fan groups in challenging the relentless commercialisation of football at the expense of supporters. We will also continue to push for policies – within the Premier League and at individual clubs – that recognise the true value of supporters to the game.”

Liverpool fans protested against rising ticket prices back in April

Liverpool fans protested against rising ticket prices in April. -Credit:Getty Images

While Liverpool fans have had their concerns recognized, the same can’t be said for City supporters, with the club failing to engage with fan groups over several months. MCFC Fans Foodbank Support organized Sunday’s protest in conjunction with City Matters.

“If Brentford and Liverpool can freeze and offer cheaper ticketing, why can't Man City?,” the former wrote on social media this week. “Join us on Sunday and repay the favour from when Scousers stood with us when we travelled to Anfield in December to hold the same banner, in solidarity with supporters across the country.”

Earlier this month, City Matters penned an open letter to chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak calling for a freeze on ticket prices and the restoration of regular season tickets, while adding that fans are being ‘priced out of supporting their side’.

“By making it practically impossible to obtain a standard season ticket, ticketing policy decision makers at Manchester City are severing the generational link between fans and their club,” the group wrote.

Origin:
publisher logo
Yahoo Sport
Loading...
Loading...

You may also like...