Skip to main content
Regional secretary with the National Education Union
Overseas fans as allies in the collective supporter movement
JAMES NALTON discusses how people are trying to reclaim the game at the top level, which has drifted into the hands of the ownership class of billionaire capitalists
Manchester United fans unveil a banner in protest of increased matchday ticket prices during the UEFA Europa League, league stage match at Old Trafford, Manchester, January 23, 2025

COLLECTIVE momentum is growing within English football support as fans try to reclaim or hang on to the game at the top level, which has drifted into the hands of the ownership class of billionaire capitalists and state ownership.

During the past year or so, a fan-led movement across English football has protested against owners and governing bodies exploiting fan loyalty. It’s a movement that is still growing and has proved vital in securing ticket price freezes at some clubs and putting pressure on those owners who are still finding excuses to raise prices. 

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Auckland City's Gerard Garriga cools off under the sprinklers during a water break in the Club World Cup Group C soccer match between Auckland City and Boca Juniors in Nashville, Tenn., June 24, 2025
Men’s football / 18 July 2025
18 July 2025

With climate change, commercial overload and endless fixtures, footballers are being pushed to breaking point. It’s time their unions became a more powerful, unified force, writes JAMES NALTON

Chelsea's Reece James lifts the trophy as he celebrates with teammates and President Donald Trump (fifth from right) after Chelsea won against Paris St Germain in the Club World Cup final, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., July 13, 2025
Men's Football / 14 July 2025
14 July 2025
Chelsea's Joao Pedro is congratulated by Enzo Fernandez after scoring his side's second goal during the Club World Cup semi final against Fluminense in East Rutherford, New Jersey, July 8, 2025
Men’s Football / 11 July 2025
11 July 2025

Joao Pedro’s emotional goals against Fluminense captured the magic of an international club competition. But even as fans bring colour and passion, the Club World Cup’s deeper issues loom large, writes JAMES NALTON

Diogo Jota, November 12, 2023
Men’s football / 4 July 2025
4 July 2025
A celebration of Diogo Jota and his time in English football, after he and his brother Andre Silva died following a car accident in the early hours of Thursday morning in Spain. By JAMES NALTON
Similar stories
Manchester City fans hold a banner in protest of ticket rese
Men’s football / 18 April 2025
18 April 2025

A new front in the fight for football’s soul is emerging — one rooted in trade union values and collective power

President Donald Trump speaks at an education event and exec
Men’s Football / 28 March 2025
28 March 2025
JAMES NALTON writes about Iran's qualification for the tournament and whether the United States is fit to welcome visitors from across the world
PAST AND
PRESENT: Jimmy
Carter (right) and
Donald Trump
Features / 6 January 2025
6 January 2025
With a struggling economy, the US is facing a hard choice between ‘guns or butter.’ MEDEA BENJAMIN and NICHOLAS JS DAVIES see the signs that the incoming president will opt for the former
Los Angeles Galaxy's Marco Reus (left) celebrates with teamm
Men’s football / 6 December 2024
6 December 2024
JAMES NALTON previews the much-anticipated East Coast versus West Coast battle this weekend, the result of supporters holding their team to account