Labour politician thrilled with Everton fan group after Conservative latest
Andy Burnham has expressed his delight after what an Everton fan group did in response to Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch.
The Blues are preparing for a historic game of football as they prepare to welcome Liverpool on Wednesday (12 February) for the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
After crashing out of the FA Cup fourth round in a 2-0 loss against Bournemouth, all eyes will turn on the famous old ground as David Moyes aims for the perfect send-off.
However, Liverpool is a city rooted in rich Labour ideologies, and regardless of whether the people support Liverpool or Everton, they never shy away from a fight with the far right.
Andy Burnham backs statement from fan group
The Premier League have been a thorn in Everton’s back for the longest time, with the strained relationship stemming from the two point deductions enforced at Goodison Park for PSR breaches.
Even to this day, the disagreement rages on, with football finance expert Stefan Borson speculating on 16 January that the Toffees could seek compensation from the Premier League.
In a bid to find common ground with clubs, the English Football League are pushing the Football Governance Bill through parliament, which would see an independent football regulator established.
The purpose of the regulator would be to monitor the finances of all the 72 clubs inside the English football pyramid and would put an end to the discrepancies surrounding the current rules.
However, Badenoch deemed the bill “a waste of money” when speaking to The Telegraph (10 February) as it makes its way through the House of Lords.
The Everton fan advisory board produced a statement aimed at Badenoch condemning her words, and the fan group now have the backing of Burnham, a Labour MP for Greater Manchester who responded to the statement via X (11 February).
“You speak for the vast majority of us. Well done.”
Everton supporters are making Merseyside proud
The Blues faithful have never been shy about voicing their opinion when it needs to be heard.
On 30 December, journalist Henry Winter reported that Everton fans would join Manchester United and Liverpool in an organised protest in opposition to the Premier League’s rising ticket prices.
The Merseyside outfit announced a rise to ticket prices for the 2025/26 campaign at Bramley-Moore Dock with a 15.3 per cent increase on the cheapest available ticket.
Considering the Toffees have teetered on the brink of relegation for the past few seasons, adding a £40.78 cost increase per game is a slap in the face to one of the most loyal fanbases in world football.
How many times must those in charge of the beautiful game exploit those who hold it dear to their hearts before supporters across the country decide enough is enough?
Unfortunately for Badenoch, the Conservatives have little say in how the UK is run now, and the supporters will undoubtedly be thankful for it.
The Football Governance Bill is for the good of the sport, and all 72 clubs will be better off for it.