Manchester United supporters are set to stage a protest during Sunday's Manchester derby at Old Trafford, in response to a controversial ticketing ban that has seen hundreds of season ticket holders suspended.
The club has issued bans to those suspected of ticket touting, affecting 685 tickets in total, although some of those impacted maintain their innocence. The investigation has drawn criticism from fans, prompting action ahead of the clash with Manchester City.
Fan groups unite in protest
Fan group The Red Army has announced it will not unfurl its regular banners in the Stretford End against Manchester City. Instead, a banner reading “The way you treat us is a disgrace” will be displayed above the players' tunnel.
In a statement, the group said: “This isn’t a ‘TRA’ message, it’s a message on behalf of every genuine fan group, match-going supporter, supporters’ club and fan representative who has either contacted us directly or been negatively impacted by the recent behaviour of the club.
“It’s an honest, heartfelt cry for recognition from the maligned, vilified, and misrepresented beating heart of our football club – the generational match-going supporters.
“Neither is this solely a ‘Manchester United’ problem, this is a league-wide crisis that should be addressed at every club, regardless of rivalries and history. Without drastic changes, there will be no rivalries in the future vision for football shared by the decision makers.”
Club defends ticketing action
Another fan group, The 1958, is set to hold a post-game march in protest. Manchester United have defended their system, stating that bans were issued only where there was significant misuse of the ticketing system for financial gain.
A club statement read: "Bans were issued where there was significant misuse of the ticketing system for financial gain.
"This included the operation of organised ticketing networks, which were controlling, selling and distributing tickets from hundreds of accounts.
"These actions undermine fair access to tickets for genuine supporters and have no place at Manchester United.
"Our focus now turns to ensuring these tickets are returned to our supporters. All season tickets released through this process will be offered to supporters on the season ticket waiting list."
Sunday's protest is the latest in a series of demonstrations aimed at the club's ownership. The Glazer family has regularly been the target of fan anger, while Sir Jim Ratcliffe has also faced criticism from supporters over decisions made since his arrival at Old Trafford.
