Man Utd fans to black out Stretford End flags at derby in protest over ticketing bans

Manchester United supporters are set to stage a visible protest at Old Trafford during Sunday’s Manchester derby after the club suspended 685 season ticket holders suspected of reselling tickets for profit.

Fan group The Red Army announced they will not unfurl their customary Stretford End banners against Manchester City. Instead, they will display a single message above the players’ tunnel reading: “The way you treat us is a disgrace.”

In a statement, the group said the gesture was not made solely on their own behalf. “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,” they wrote. “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.”

The Red Army also framed the issue as one extending beyond United. “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.”

A second fan group, The 1958, are planning a post-match march in protest.

United have defended their ticketing crackdown, stating that bans were only issued where there was evidence of significant misuse for financial gain. “This included the operation of organised ticketing networks, which were controlling, selling and distributing tickets from hundreds of accounts,” the club said. “These actions undermine fair access to tickets for genuine supporters and have no place at Manchester United.” The club added that released season tickets would be offered to supporters on the waiting list.

Some of those banned maintain their innocence, and the probe has generated considerable anger among the wider fanbase. Sunday’s demonstration is the latest in a series of protests directed at United’s ownership — the Glazer family have faced sustained supporter opposition for years, while co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has also drawn criticism for decisions made since his arrival at the club.