Ipswich Town and Leicester City fans are setting aside their rivalry on Saturday to support the Football Supporters Association’s (FSA) national “Stop Exploiting Loyalty” campaign.
Before Ipswich’s narrow defeat at Brentford on Saturday afternoon, fans gathered to voice their discontent with soaring ticket prices in the Premier League and beyond. Similar banners appeared at every Premier League match, uniting fans from all clubs.
While Ipswich fans have largely accepted recent price hikes due to their team’s successive promotions, Ipswich Town Fans Supporting Foodbanks is urging supporters to join the fight against unreasonable ticket price increases.
Ipswich Town Fans Supporting Foodbanks, Leicester City Supporters Club, and the Foxes Trust are encouraging fans to assemble for a photo with the #StopExploitingLoyalty banner at 1:30 p.m. on match day, near the Sir Bobby Robson statue. The aim is to show solidarity with fans across the country who face soaring ticket prices and the removal of traditional concessions.
Elijah Aldridge from Ipswich Town Fans Supporting Foodbanks said, “Sir Bobby’s famous image of a child excitedly climbing stadium steps for the first time, hand in hand with their parent, should remain a reality, not just a memory. We hope Town supporters will show up in force to support this campaign.”
Steve Mould of the Foxes Trust highlighted the value of match-going supporters: “Football’s leaders often say, ‘football is nothing without fans.’ Sir Bobby Robson also reminded us that a club is ‘the noise, the passion, the sense of belonging, the pride in your city.’ That lifeblood is at risk in many clubs.”
Amy Ginnetta of the Leicester City Supporters Club added, “Fans are the heartbeat of our football clubs. Packed stadiums filled with joyous supporters must be protected, as they’re essential for those moments of celebration on the field.”
Other matches where fans will rally on Saturday include: Newcastle vs. Arsenal; AFC Bournemouth vs. Manchester City; Liverpool vs. Brighton; Nottingham Forest vs. West Ham; Southampton vs. Everton; and Wolves vs. Crystal Palace.