This Sunday, during Premier League matches at Old Trafford and Anfield, supporters of four clubs - Manchester United, Liverpool, Everton and Manchester City - will unite to protest against rising ticket prices. The protest will be held under the slogan: "Enough is enough - stop exploiting loyalty".

United front at Old Trafford and Anfield

At Old Trafford, ahead of Manchester United's match against Everton, scheduled for 1.30pm, fans from FC58 groups, Everton supporters and Fans Supporting Foodbanks will display banners highlighting their opposition to ticket price rises. And at Anfield, where Liverpool will face Manchester City, similar actions will be taken by the City 1894, Liverpool fans, Spirit of Shankly and MCFC Fans Foodbank Support groups.

The slogan banners, which will be visible both in and around the stadiums, are intended to convey one common message: “Enough is enough - stop exploiting loyalty”. As the organisers stress, this action is only the first step in the fight to protect the affordability of football for future generations.

Rising prices and criticism of club policies

Manchester United has been at the centre of criticism after announcing its decision to raise ticket prices for club members to £66 per game. There has been particular outrage over the removal of concessions for children, young people and the elderly. The action, supporters' groups say, shows disrespect towards loyal fans and heralds further increases in the future.

© Adam Koprowski | Old Trafford

The Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) has expressed deep displeasure at the lack of consultation with fans. “Suffice it to say that the idea that the fans must pay their ‘fair share’ for the club’s excesses and/or mismanagement — and above all, the Glazers’ lack of investment over two decades — is offensive’’ - reads the group's statement.

"It's about the future of the beautiful game”

The protests at Old Trafford and Anfield are unique because of the cooperation between the fans of the four clubs, whose rivalry on the pitch often spills over into tensions off it. Representatives of the various supporter groups unanimously stress that joint action is necessary to protect the future of football.

This isn't about the colour of the shirt or the badge upon the chest” said Dave Kelly of Everton Fans Supporting Foodbanks. "It's about the future of the beautiful game, protecting and making it affordable for all fans".

Gareth Roberts, spokesman for the Spirit of Shankly group, took a similar view, calling the price rises in the face of rising living costs “an insult to the fans”. "It’s time for clubs to remember that their wealth and success are built on the unwavering loyalty of their supporters" - He added.

© This is Anfield | Anfield

According to the FSA, in the week leading up to the protest, the Premier League announced a new TV rights deal, which has increased in value by 17% to a record £12.25bn. Meanwhile, ticket revenue is an ever-decreasing percentage of club revenues, making it financially unreasonable to raise ticket prices. "Working-class fans are being priced out before our eyes. We can reverse this trend" said Nick Clarke of MCFC Fans Foodbank Support.

As organisers have announced, Sunday's protests are just the start of a wider movement to put pressure on Premier League clubs. “This is our first step” - a spokesperson for the group FC58 said. “This movement will grow”.