Manchester United and Liverpool fans will come together to protest against rising ticket prices when the bitter rivals face off in the Premier League next month, according to a report.
It is believed that supporters of both clubs are planning demonstrations during the match at Anfield on January 5, having already campaigned against ticket increases this month.
The move comes amid growing resentment among fans over Manchester United's decision to increase the price of members' tickets to £66 and cut concessions for children and pensioners.
United fans displayed a 'Stop Exploiting Loyalty' banner during their Premier League match against Everton on December 1, with Toffees supporters joining forces to also protest the increase.
Meanwhile, Liverpool and Manchester City fans also gathered during their match that weekend.
The Reds are going ahead with their plan to increase ticket prices by two percent from next season.
According to the Telegraph, representatives from Liverpool supporters' union Spirit of Shankly (SOS) and Man United fan group FC58 have held talks to organize a similar demonstration at their Premier League meeting next month.
Another 'Stop Exploiting Loyalty' banner is expected to be displayed before and during the match, with a protest once again surrounding Anfield before kick-off.
“As fierce as the rivalry is, the coming together of United and Liverpool fans sends a very powerful message,” FC58 representative Steve Crompton told the newspaper.
'It is a worrying time for traditional fans. The atmosphere disappears because ordinary match fans are left behind by rising ticket prices and exploitation of loyalty.'
'It's like an abusive relationship: there's only so much you can take before you walk away. Unfortunately, that happens far too often now.'
Meanwhile, SOS's Gareth Roberts said: 'I grew up in an area where Manchester United was the team you hate.
'The rivalry is deep-rooted, but this transcends all that. There is a common purpose here and much that unites us, including the social and economic challenges in both cities.
'Where Anfield is, where Old Trafford is – and where Goodison Park and the Etihad Stadium are – these are all areas with big challenges.
'Fans who live within the club's postcode should be able to go and watch their club and increasingly we are getting to a point where that is not the case for many people.'
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, alarmed fans by pointing out that it does not make sense for an Old Trafford ticket to cost less than one at Fulham.
“I don't think it makes sense that a ticket for Manchester United costs less than a ticket for Fulham,” Ratcliffe told fanzine United We Stand.
“I don't want to be in a position where the real local fans can't afford to come, but I do want to optimize ticket sales,” he said.
'We have to find a balance. And you can't always be popular.
'This concerns three percent of the tickets. That's not the problem. The question, as you say, is whether this is the thin edge of the wedge [for more raises in future].'
The mid-season ticket increase is the latest measure in Ratcliffe and Ineos' ongoing drive to reduce costs and increase revenues.
United say only three percent of supporters will be affected as 97 percent of tickets for all remaining matches have already been sold – and officials are confident nothing has been decided for next season.
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