As a Yank, the tribal nature of English football is one of its most wonderful attributes and at the same time the cause of a lot of its (violent) problems. Describing going to matches there to non-football friends, they are often mystified/fascinated by the police cordons, the express warrant made on the ticket that you’re a home fan, the places you need to be careful wearing colo(u)rs. It can be like that here but almost never is save for isolated incidents — fans mix inside and outside the stadium, there’s banter but it’s usually good-natured, long-time season-ticket fans roll their eyes at tourists and bear the costs (which I think don’t escalate as fast as they do the UK in my experience) usually without complaining. I love the locals-first nature of most long-time football fans and tell my friends who go over to immerse themselves — learn the fucking songs, go to the pubs beforehand, be respectful and friendly (and tell local fans how excited you are), no half/half scarves, never sit in the home section as an away fan (and if you choose to ignore this warning for fucks sake sit still and say nothing).
So I can see how changes in pursuit of money could risk the heart and soul of the clubs. But know there are those of us from abroad who respect and love the real fans who grew up with these clubs and we know we are borrowing their traditions for our own enjoyment (though for me personally City means far, far more than that).