Manchester United supporters protest against ownership ahead of Fulham match
Manchester United supporter group The 1958 organised a substantial demonstration outside Old Trafford ahead of today’s fixture against Fulham, directing their anger at both the Glazer family and the Ineos ownership, reports BritPanorama.
Protesters at the front of the march donned clown masks, referencing a statement from a fortnight ago in which they labelled Sir Jim Ratcliffe an “incompetent clown.” This marks their first protest specifically aimed at Ratcliffe and his Ineos team, following multiple previous demonstrations targeting the Glazers.
The group outlined five pressing changes they believe are essential to prevent further decline at the club. Speaking to The Sun, protest organiser Steve Crompton described Ineos as “hopeless” and emphasised the need for a cultural revival within the club.
“For me it’s all based around match-going fans. Another one is the culture needs bringing back,” Crompton stated. He expressed concern about the deterioration of supporter traditions, highlighting how the Red Army atmosphere has gradually diminished.
Crompton insisted that safeguarding fan culture must be prioritised, warning that it is at risk under current ownership. He also called for more affordable matchday tickets to support regular fans, pointing out a significant discrepancy in ticket availability.
“If you go on the United website, there are no tickets available for members, but you can get hospitality seats starting at £300,” Crompton explained. He urged the ownership to either adapt their approach to fan engagement or listen to the supporters, noting Ratcliffe’s promise to “put Manchester back in Manchester United” has instead led to the removal of meaningful connections for matchgoing fans.
The protest further illustrated frustrations over constant managerial changes, which Crompton labelled as “ridiculous,” with fans expected to cover the financial implications of these decisions. The group also called for a transparent plan to eliminate the club’s debt.
This demonstration signifies a notable shift for The 1958, traditionally focused on opposing the Glazer family’s ownership, now viewing Ineos’s involvement as equally detrimental to the club’s future.
As the protest unfolded, it served as a vivid reminder of how the passions surrounding Manchester United extend far beyond the pitch, capturing the unease of supporters who feel increasingly alienated from the club’s direction under its current ownership.
