Liverpool, Everton, Manchester City and Manchester United fans joined forces at the weekend to protest against rising Premier League ticket prices as part of the #StopExploytingLoyalty campaign.
Following the no flag statement in the Kop from Liverpool fans in April after a 2% price increase was announced, the protests have gone nationwide, with regular match goers from West Ham, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester City joining forces to stop their respective clubs outpricing them.
Liverpool Supporter’s Union Spirit Of Shankly held a peaceful protest ahead of Liverpool’s match against Manchester City on Sunday. But not all fans are standing against the increase in ticket prices.
Michael Owen-Evans, from Liverpool, said: “I don’t think it’s too bad to be honest, only going up by £2. It’s the way life goes, everything has become more expensive. And I think it’s worth it for the game.”
Although £2 might not be a lot to some, Manchester United fan Ethan Wright wants to make sure every penny he gives to the club is worth spending. United have made the decision to scrap concessions and increase their prices to £66 for their loyal members.
Ethan said: “It’s a joke! We’re basically allowing the club to throw more money at average players. I mean we’ve just sacked Ten Haag. Who knows what kind of rubbish we’re gonna sign under Amorim.”
In similar fashion, both Everton and Manchester City fans disagree with the price inflation.
Lifelong Evertonian, Paul Broomfield said: “I think it’s absolutely outrageous! I mean the club makes enough money off showing the matches on the telly, why are they pricing out us locals who go to matches week in and week out and have been for years. We’ve given so much to the club.”
Following their second Premier League title win in three years, Manchester City have seen a £17 increase on ticket prices this decade. The most expensive ticket for a standard adult last season was £75 compared to 2014 when it was £58. That’s a staggering 30% increase in 10 years.
Manchester City fan Chloe, who goes to games with her dad whenever she can, said: “Tickets used to be £10-£20, and now you can only afford to go to a couple of games per year.
“If you’re going to a match, you’re not even guaranteed two tickets next to each other. It makes it less enjoyable if you’re paying so much money to not even sit next to your dad.”
Data from the Guardian taken from the 2013/14 season shows each club’s most expensive and cheapest match day tickets for adults in category A games.
Liverpool fans have been able to keep owners FSG at bay after their famous walk out in 2016 as they are the only side amongst the big six whose cheapest tickets have not increased by more than £1.
Ten years ago fans were able to go to games for £20 or under at several clubs, now the cheapest ticket is £28 (Bournemouth), indicating a 40% increase in the baseline cheapest price.
Clubs like Chelsea, Fulham and Newcastle now price their “cheapest tickets” similarly to mid-tier prices in 2013/14.
