Protests at Molineux as part of a nationwide campaign against rising costs for fans

Led by the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA), fans of both clubs gathered outside the stadium ahead of Wolves’ Premier League clash with Crystal Palace, holding a banner with the campaign name “Stop Exploiting Loyalty”.

The campaign highlights the rising costs for fans in modern football and calls for change before more fans are sold out.

More than 15,000 Wolves fans have signed a petition against season ticket price increases in the summer.

Following consultations with club chairman Jeff Shi, Wolves have finally agreed to freeze adult season tickets for the 2025/26 season and have withdrawn U14 season ticket price increases for this season.

In cooperation with the FSA, Trust of Wolves 1877 fans supported the campaign before it started.

“This is a Premier League-wide FSA campaign and is not a direct protest against the club,” said Trust vice-chairman and FSA national board member Ciaran Barker.

“But fans across the Premier League are fed up with rising ticket prices and reduced discounts.

“The loyal fans basically fell by the wayside because they just wanted to fill the stadiums.

“This is a campaign that aims to put fans first, especially those who hold season tickets or regularly attend matches.

“Of course, there will be price increases over time, it’s part of life, but we believe that ticket prices at Wilki Stadium and other stadiums are unjustified and unfair. This goes against the spirit of the game and needs to be accessible.

“It was never about thousands of fans being outside the stadium and the FSA did not want to be seen as trying to disrupt clubs or the Premier League.

“This campaign aimed to draw attention to such ticket price increases and how fans are not at the center of attention.

“It’s the start of something and a message to clubs and the Premier League that fans around the world have had enough.

“Let’s start engaging and make a difference now, before it becomes something more. We don’t want it to be more than that and we don’t want to cause any disruption on the ground.

“This is the first step that comes from the FSA and says put your loyal fans first.”

Wolves and Brighton fans also gathered ahead of last week’s match at the Amex Stadium as the campaign involves supporters from across the Premier League.

Barker added: “We’ve had some Palace fans here and getting them involved is really important.

“Wolves fans in Brighton were engaged outside the main pub which was fantastic and they welcomed us.

“We invite Palace fans to get involved and we hope we stick together.

“What is important is that the fan groups of all 20 clubs are united on this issue. We must unite and put an end to this.

“This is not a protest against Wolves, Fosun or Jeff Shi, this is a Premier League problem.

“If people want to get involved, it can be done through the Trust or FSA.”