Manchester United fans impacted by ticket decision announce protest and send message to Sim Jim Ratcliffe
08.03.2024 - 17:35
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Manchester United fans angered by the decision to relocate their season tickets at Old Trafford have announced a protest campaign in an attempt to stop the plans.
Around 850 supporters in block S122 of the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand will be relocated for the 2024-25 season as United are, according to those impacted, "prioritising transient player needs and hospitality arrangements over long-standing fan arrangements".
Former player Norman Whiteside is among those affected and a number of fans have contacted the Manchester Evening News over the last month to express their concerns.
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Those fans have now mobilised by creating a campaign group called South Stand United, who have hinted at planning legal but undisclosed protests at Old Trafford.
Since acquiring a minority stake at United, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has described the club as a 'community asset' and the group believe their seat relocation contradicts that message.
A statement from South Stand United said: "This development comes amid growing frustration over the club's handling of the reassignment of season ticket holders, an initiative that has not only unsettled a loyal fanbase but also raised questions about the future direction under Sir Jim Ratcliffe's stewardship.
"The group's initiative, stemming from the club's decision to move fans — some of whom have occupied their seats for decades — to accommodate players' families and hospitality guests, challenges the community ethos Ratcliffe emphasised upon his investment in the club.
"With #CommunityNotCommodity as their banner, South Stand United is not only contesting the current seat