Are Premier League fans right to protest ticket hikes?

It takes quite a lot to unite the fans of Manchester United and Liverpool, but it will happen today at Anfield. Some of the most committed supporters will make a joint protest along with the Football Supporters’ Association at what they see as the exploitative ticket price policies of their respective clubs. There will be demonstrations outside the stadium and a banners bearing the message ‘Stop Exploiting Loyalty’ will be unfurled inside the ground.

The specific target is the trend in rising prices and the gradual disappearance of concessions, which is making regular attendance for generational fans increasingly unaffordable. Manchester United announced a £66 flat rate tariff for members this year while Liverpool raised their prices by 2 per cent for the second year running (after an 8-year freeze), with more expected at the start of the season. The direction of travelis clear, say the protesters: a targeting of occasional fans (tourists basically) and a wealthy elite, at the expense of the faithful.