Stop Exploiting Loyalty!

SDSA committee member, Mark Harpur, joined other Saints and Manchester City supporters at the Etihad Stadium before the game on Saturday 26th October, to protest against the continual ticket price increases and the erosion of concession pricing at some clubs, particularly for seniors. A similar protest was being held at other Premier League grounds around the country.

The protests were backed by the Football Supporters Association (FSA) as part of their Stop Exploiting Loyalty campaign and were not specifically aimed at Saints or any other club, but more to show a football wide issue.

Mark previously took part in the ‘Twenty’s plenty’ campaign which led to a £30 cap on away tickets in the Premier League, and is spearheading a similar protest at St Mary’s when Saints play Everton on Saturday 2nd November.

He is asking supporters to back the FSA campaign and has published the following message.

STOP EXPLOITING FANS LOYALTY………

So This Saturday is the Saints Supporters opportunity to show unity and solidarity with other clubs supporter groups in the premier league.

As I said before, this action has been called for as we see ever rising prices and the attempts by some clubs in trying to do away with the OAP price band, vast increases in price on under 21, child and concession matchday and season tickets, which some consider to be an attempt at levelling up by the clubs.

You may not feel, that it is our club today in terms of ticketing pricing but it certainly could be tomorrow.

This show of togetherness is also planned at the nine other premier league fixtures over the weekend. The campaign is backed by the FSA who have produced a banner for us Saints fans to use.

The Everton Supporters are also getting involved on Saturday again in show of unity and togetherness.

My hope is that fellow Saints fans feel it is something they can get involved with and support.

From my own experience sometimes getting involved in this kind of action can bring about change e.g. in the 2015/16 season I took part in the ’20 is plenty’ campaign which led to the £30 cap on away tickets we all enjoy today.

The Saints Disabled Supporters’ Association got tasked with this as it is the only Saints supporting recognised body in the city.

I know some of you know me personally and I would genuinely appreciate your support on this. We will meet at the red railings just down from the Ted Bates statue and the main Entrance at 1.45pm for 2pm COYS!!

Mark Harpur Committee member Saints DSA

If you are going to the game, please help with this protest.