Oasis-style Ticketing and Expendable Fans: The Battle to Retain Football’s Soul
As the new season kicks off, fans are gearing up for protests, with the FSA chair emphasizing that only by listening to supporters can clubs address their concerns.
“Being a bit younger, this is the only football world I’ve known,” says Nick Clarke. “But right now, it feels like we’re at a crossroads. You hear people say, ‘The game’s gone,’ and it really feels like it’s slipping away. The traditional fans and the communities that built these clubs are being pushed out.”
Clarke, who just turned 30, is fresh off a significant season. As one of the key figures behind the MCFC Fans Foodbank Support, he has been deeply involved with the Manchester City fan community, especially since the pandemic. Last year, as ticket prices soared and availability dwindled, Clarke played a pivotal role in organizing protests. These demonstrations saw fans from rival clubs like Everton, Liverpool, and Manchester United unite under the slogan “Stop Exploiting Loyalty,” marking a new era of fan activism.
In a world where football is increasingly commercialized, the essence of the sport is at risk. The sense of belonging and community that once defined football is being overshadowed by corporate interests. Fans like Clarke are determined to fight back, believing that the soul of the game is worth preserving.
As the season unfolds, the question remains: will clubs heed the call of their supporters, or will the game continue to drift away from its roots? The answer may well determine the future of football as we know it.