Man Utd fans group call for derby-day ticket protest
· Yahoo Sports
The 1958 Manchester United fans' group is organising a protest ahead of Sunday's derby clash with Manchester City in protest at the club's handing of its ticket touting crackdown.
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United identified numerous instances of what they felt was ticket touting and in July placed restrictions on a large number of accounts and demanded details for why single devices were being used for multiple accounts, amid a threat of them being withdrawn.
The club subsequently admitted to the Fans Forum they had underestimated how many fans shared account details. However, they also defended their initiative, pointing out in one instance, 1,088 accounts had been accessed on a single device.
However, complaints are still being made, while club sources also accept the wording around a message sent to a fan stating firmly 'please do not come to Old Trafford' as they don't have a ticket for Thursday's Champions League game with FK Sabah could have been better. The message also warned the fan their season ticket could be deactivated for a Premier League game if they didn't buy a ticket. The club argue in their defence a clear issue had occurred that triggered the message.
Nevertheless, there is a growing disconnect between United and some sections of their support.
"Manchester United supporter groups are being called upon to all stand together following reports of bans and season ticket sanctions without clear and compelling evidence always being presented," said the 1958 Group.
"For generations, match-going Reds have given their time, money and loyalty to Manchester United, home and away. That loyalty deserves to be treated with respect.
"This is not about one group or one individual. It is about how Manchester United treats its match-going supporters. It may not affect you today, it may not next time but that day is coming for all of us.
"If there is clear, substantive evidence of serious wrongdoing or organised ticket touting, show it. No loyal supporter should be treated as guilty without being given a fair opportunity to understand and challenge the case against them."
United have previously said they won't be in a position to release information about their actions until it is completed.