'UNITED WE STAND ON TICKETS DISGRACE'

ANGRY PARENTS SAY THEY WON'T BE ABLE TO TAKE KIDS TO REDS MATCHES AFTER LATEST PRICE RISES

- CHRIS SLATER

IN amongst the anger, there was a stark reminder of what this was all about. Manchester United and Everton fans had gathered outside Old Trafford ahead of their Premier League match yesterday to protest against ticket price increases.

Last week, United sparked fury when they announced a mid-season decision to raise matchday ticket prices to £66 per game, with no concessions for children or pensioners.

Hundreds of Reds' fans congregated and unfurled a banner reading 'stop exploiting loyalty.

A chorus of angry and abusive chants were aimed at both the Glazer family and new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Amidst the wall of noise and red smoke bombs, three young fans shuffled their way to the front. They were holding up a homemade cardboard sign which read: 'Man Utd - ripping off kids.

An adult supporter ran over and pointed at them as the fans sang '£66, you're taking the p**s! Stood not far from them was lifelong Red Ross Jenkins, 41, from Sale.

On his shoulders sat his eight-yearold son William. He too had a sign.

'It's my fault, so charge me more, it read.

Ross doesn't have a season ticket, but is a long-term 'One United' member and attends games regularly with William and his brother.

However, he said: "Overnight we have been priced out of tickets. I accept some price increases will happen. But to remove a child's price is absolutely appalling."