Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Following a subdued goalless draw in Sunday’s Manchester derby, Man United fans staged a post-match protest at Old Trafford, demonstrating their continued discontent with the club’s ownership. Supporters, representing the fan group ‘The 1958’, remained in their seats after the final whistle to voice their grievances against the Glazer family’s management of Manchester United.
Fan Protest Follows Uneventful Manchester Derby
The Manchester derby, the 196th edition, concluded in a 0-0 stalemate at Old Trafford. The uninspired performance on the pitch was quickly overshadowed by off-field action as Man United supporters initiated their planned demonstration.
Reasons for the Fan Sit-In Protest
Frustration among Manchester United fans reached boiling point, prompting the organised sit-in. The key reasons behind the protest included:
- Rising ticket prices: Fans are angered by the recent increase in ticket costs.
- End of concessions for senior citizens: The removal of 50 per cent concessions for elderly supporters has sparked outrage.
- Relocation of fans for VIP area: The decision to move fans from the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand to accommodate a new, lucrative VIP dug-out section has further fueled resentment.
“Glazers Out” Chants and Banners
Protestors made their feelings clear with chants of “we want Glazers out” echoing throughout the Stretford End. Numerous flags and banners were displayed, conveying messages of defiance and demanding change at the club.
One banner highlighted the financial burden placed on fans, reading: ‘£66 your debt not ours,’ referencing the recent five per cent increase in matchday ticket prices, which now reach up to £66.
Many banners directly targeted the Glazer family’s majority ownership. Slogans such as ‘Love United hate Glazers’ and the simple yet direct ‘Glazers out’ were prominently displayed, underscoring the depth of feeling amongst the Man United support.
Man United fans remained at Old Trafford following Sunday’s 0-0 Manchester derby.
The protest was orchestrated by ‘The 1958’, Manchester United’s largest fan group.
Demonstrations focused on rising ticket costs, the cessation of concessions, and the controversial seat relocations.
United Fans Join Wider Campaign Against Rising Costs
Manchester United and Manchester City fans, alongside other Premier League supporter groups, find common cause in the Football Supporters Association’s ‘Stop Exploiting Loyalty’ campaign, highlighting a unified front against escalating costs in football.
Steve Crompton, spokesperson for The 1958 protest group, articulated the broader concern: ‘We need to safeguard the game so that we are still able to have rivalries in future.’
He added, ‘I’d love nothing more than tomorrow’s headlines to be dominated by news of City being found guilty on the 115 Premier League charges.’
‘Across the city, City supporters are also facing being priced out. The same is happening at Chelsea and Tottenham. Clubs are attempting to push out regular, lower-income fans, and the atmosphere in every stadium is suffering as a result. Fan culture is slowly disappearing before our eyes.’
Concerns Over Ratcliffe’s Influence
The 1958 previously mobilised thousands of fans to march before last month’s match against Arsenal, protesting against both the Glazers and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s involvement in the club’s operations.
A representative from The 1958 stated: ‘No positive developments have emerged at the club since Ratcliffe’s arrival. There’s no reason for optimism, not even a glimmer of hope.’