Man Utd fans protest ownership and ticketing crackdown before derby

Manchester United fans staged widespread protests against the club's ownership and a recent ticketing crackdown before Sunday's derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford. The demonstrations were triggered by the suspension of 685 season ticket holders following an investigation into suspected ticket touting. Outside the stadium, thousands of supporters gathered, with some using flares, in response to a call from the fan group The 1958. Inside the ground, the fan group The Red Army opted not to display its usual flags. Instead, a single banner was hung above the players' tunnel reading, "The way you treat us is a disgrace." The protest targeted both the Glazer family, who own the club, and minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Songs were sung against Ratcliffe, indicating fan belief that he shares responsibility for the current situation. "We wanted the Glazers out and that will never change," said Steve Compton of The 1958 Group. "Ratcliffe came in and gave us a glimmer, but his idea of putting Manchester back in Man United couldn't be any further from the truth." The backlash stems from the club's summer operation to address ticket misuse.