Newcastle United protest triggers further anger across the Premier League
Further vitriol towards Premier League ticket pricing is expected this weekend following Newcastle United’s demonstration on Monday.
Toon supporters - backed by the Newcastle United Supporters Trust (NUST) - protested ahead of the 2-0 defeat to West Ham United. A demo took place between the Alan Shearer and Sir Bobby Robson statue outside of St James’ Park.
West Ham fans also showed solidarity, with a banner voicing the message #StopExploitingLoyalty. The movement - started by the Football Supporters Association - picked up over the summer after 19 of the Premier League’s 20 clubs hiked ticket prices.
Newcastle fans were slapped with a five per cent rise for the second year running ahead of the 2024-25 campaign. Aston Villa, making their debut in the competition since its 1992 rebrand, also stoked controversy by charging up to £97 for home Champions League tickets.
More action is set to take place when Manchester United host Everton this weekend. This came after resale tickets regardless of age were priced at £66.
Liverpool and Manchester City are also joining arms before their colossal Anfield showdown on Sunday. A post from The 1958, a Man United fan group, read: “As an associated member of the FSA and together with Everton supporters group, we will be protesting (peacefully) on Sunday before the game to support their current #StopExploitingLoyalty campaign.
“With 19 out of 20 Premier League clubs increasing ticket prices this season. FC58, Everon, Liverpool and City supporters will display the FSA banner to raise awareness that any future season ticket price increases, removal of concessions and treating match-going supporters as an easy target to make quick revenues will not be tolerated.
“With the discussions around the rebuild or redevelopment of Old Trafford. We need to send a message to the club that we are laser-focused on keeping football affordable and looking after our loyal match-going fan base.
“United and Everton supporters will display the banner before our game on Sunday. We said we would change the game for the betterment of our club and football. To ensure generational fans and communities are represented.
“This is just the start of key truly independent fan groups working together to represent the common fan on the street working closely with the FSA. Real change takes courage. Real change takes passion. Real change takes dedication.”