Why Man City and Man United fans are joining forces with Liverpool & Everton this weekend

Manchester City and Manchester United fans are to join forces with supporters from Liverpool and Everton this weekend off the pitch - as the clubs do battle on it.

The supporters are to protest over rising ticket prices. A unity between the Merseyside fanbases will join fans from both Manchester clubs in support of a Football Supporters Association (FSA) campaign. It coincides with the clubs facing each other in the Premier League, with Sean Dyche’s Everton side travelling to Old Trafford and Anfield welcoming Manchester City - with both games on Sunday.

MCFC Fans Foodbank Support spokesperson Nick Clarke said: "There’s been increasing animosity between City and Liverpool fans in recent years due to the rivalry on the pitch, so we're incredibly proud to stand together on this important issue. "Tribalism holds football fans back from addressing the real threats to the game we built - working-class fans are being priced out before our eyes. We can reverse this trend."

Meanwhile, Gareth Roberts, spokesman of Liverpool fan group Spirit of Shankly, said: “Raising prices when financial pressures on fans are at an all-time high is an insult. We’re proud to unite with fans from Manchester in this campaign to fight for fairness."

A spokesperson for Manchester United fan group FC58 said: “The rivalry between these four clubs has been, and is, fierce. But we all go to games, love our club and want to keep football affordable for future generations while protecting heritage and communities. The only way we can achieve this is collaboration. This is our first step. This movement will grow."

The BBC report that Manchester United supporters plan to hold a 'Stop Exploiting Loyalty' banner along with Everton fans. City and Liverpool fans are also expected to display banners in their top of the table clash.