Manchester United fan group The 1958 have announced a protest before Sunday’s Manchester derby to make a stand against season ticket sanctions handed out by the club.The 1958 are urging supporters to gather at The Bishop Blaize pub near Old Trafford from 3pm to “unite peacefully” in declaration that “a line has been crossed”.In a bid to clamp down on touting, United have been taking action against fans using multiple devices to log into tickets, issuing bans in certain instances, but innocent individuals have been caught up in the approach.The club has been accused of using aggressive communications with opaque references to wrongdoing, leaving some fans distressed at the prospect of losing their seat.The 1958’s call for protest comes in the wake of more anger online over text messages sent to season ticket holders demanding fans pay to attend United’s Champions League opener against Azerbaijani side Sabah or lose a seat for a forthcoming Premier League match.The message reads: “You don’t have a ticket for the Sabah game on Thursday — please do not come to Old Trafford. Tickets are still available to purchase here. If you don’t purchase a ticket, your ST will be deactivated for a future PL game and it may impact your away eligibility.”The protest is scheduled to take place before Sunday’s Manchester derby (Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images)United have been accused of greed by sections of social media users.There has though been a backlash to the outrage, with other supporters pointing out it is a policy that stretches back more than 20 years and only applies to certain fans who agreed to terms and conditions.Every season ticket holder has the option to opt in or out of the automatic cup scheme before the start of the season. Those who opt in must pay for each cup game that subsequently arises, but it means they get a guaranteed seat. If the club tries and fails to take payment via usual card details, they email the fan and give a grace period of 48 hours. This text message is the final step, but still allows the fan to avoid losing a Premier League seat if they purchase a ticket.The language used in the message has been criticised, however, and the club are looking into how that wording came to be sent out. United have been approached for comment by The Athletic on the protest and automatic cup scheme.The episode highlights a fragile relationship between club and fans after a series of issues, including the mid-season price hike to £66 for general tickets in November 2024, and the annual rising cost of a season ticket.A 1958 spokesman said: “Manchester United supporter groups are being called upon to all stand together following reports of bans and season ticket sanctions without clear and compelling evidence always being presented.“For generations, match-going Reds have given their time, money and loyalty to Manchester United, home and away. That loyalty deserves to be treated with respect.“This is not about one group or one individual. It is about how Manchester United treats its match-going supporters. It may not affect you today, it may not next time but that day is coming for all of us.“ALL REDS. ALL GROUPS. ONE VOICE. SHOW THE EVIDENCE. LIFT THE BANS.“Supporters are now facing serious sanctions which can remove their right to attend matches. We believe nobody should face such action without being told clearly what they are accused of and being shown the evidence used to justify it.“This goes beyond individual supporters or supporter groups. If this approach is allowed to stand, it should concern every match-going Red.“Whatever differences have existed between supporter groups in the past, this is a time to put them aside. A call has gone out for Manchester United supporter groups, Fans’ Forum representatives, supporters’ clubs and independent fan organisations to stand together on a simple principle: If there is clear, substantive evidence of serious wrongdoing or organised ticket touting, show it.“No loyal supporter should be treated as guilty without being given a fair opportunity to understand and challenge the case against them.”