Why Man City banner will not be at Etihad as fans change protest tactic amid Liverpool progress

A Manchester City fan group will not attempt to repeat their banner criticising the club's controversial rise in season ticket prices this week, but they are not giving up on their protests.

City's main fan groups united after it was quietly announced that City season ticket prices would rise across the board at an average of five per cent. At the first home game following the announcement - against Arsenal last month - the 1894 group unveiled a banner in the South Stand that read: "Record profits but record prices. Stop exploiting our loyalty."

The banner was removed by stewards after miscommunications over fire safety certificates and pre-match accreditation, with the club informing 1894 that the banner would be returned to them. It was not displayed against Aston Villa, and MEN Sport understands it will not be returning for this week's home double-header with Luton and Real Madrid.

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With City fighting on three fronts and in a three-horse title race, fans inside the stadium will look to give their full backing to the team rather than protest price rises.

A positive display is planned against Real Madrid this week while against Luton, 1894 will be thanking the MCFC Fans Foodbank Support group and are encouraging fans to drop off donations to the group at their station under the bridge between the Joie Stadium and Etihad Stadium pre-match.

However, the group are keen for the ticket prices issue to remain a topic of discussion, and have cited Liverpool engaging with their supporter's groups this week