December 1st 2024.
On a sunny Sunday afternoon, outside Old Trafford, a group of passionate Manchester United fans gathered to make their voices heard. The target of their protest? The Glazer family and Jim Ratcliffe.
The reason for the outrage among Red Devils supporters was a sudden and significant increase in ticket prices. Previously, tickets started at £40 for adults and £25 for children, but the prices have now been raised to £66, with concessions being scrapped for the rest of the season. The Manchester United Supporters Trust expressed their disappointment in a statement, revealing that the club had provided no consultation on the matter and had made the decision solely based on the need to address profitability and sustainability concerns.
But the fans feared that this was only the beginning, and that there would be even more price hikes in the future. They questioned whether the club would go back to the old pricing levels for the next season after getting used to charging £132 for a parent and child to attend a match at Old Trafford.
The protest itself was a powerful display of the fans' frustration. A large banner read "Stop Exploiting Loyalty," while another smaller sign targeted Jim Ratcliffe, a local lad who was charging £66 for OAPs and juniors to attend matches. The chants were also directed at Ratcliffe and the Glazers, with fans calling them derogatory names and accusing them of exploiting loyal supporters.
The protest was not just limited to Manchester United fans, as some Everton supporters joined in and fans of Liverpool and Manchester City were expected to make their voices heard outside Anfield later in the day. The spokesperson for Manchester United fan group FC58 emphasized the importance of collaboration in protecting the affordability and heritage of football, and expressed hope that this movement would continue to grow.
In the end, it was a powerful message to the club owners - #StopExploitingLoyalty - and a reminder that the fans are the heart and soul of any football club. Their voices cannot and should not be ignored.
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