2 hours ago
25
Spion Kop 1906, the Liverpool FC supporters group that organizes flags on The Kop for Anfield fixtures, has issued a statement in response to planned ticket price increases.
"Since the announcement regarding future ticket pricing, we have been in discussions as a group regarding our response," a message posted on social media reads. "As always, we will pay our respects at the closest game to the anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, which will be the PSG game.
"After much consultation, all Spion Kop 1906 flags will no longer be present at Anfield at the remaining fixtures. We feel we have been left with no other option.
"Year on year, the rising costs are pricing more fans out of football. Fans are increasingly reaching their breaking point as football becomes unaffordable.
"We must take a stand against the rising cost of football. We feel there's a value to being valued. The culture and traditions, which have been passed down by previous generations, must be preserved, with football remaining accessible to future generations.
"We, the fans, are the heartbeat of the football club; the same heartbeat that Liverpool Football Club market for a pound note. We urge FSG to remember that our club should embody the identity of its surrounding community and resonate with the values of the local area.
"What is Anfield without its heartbeat? Do the right thing for the future of our game. Listen to the heartbeat. NO TO TICKET PRICE INCREASES."
Liverpool confirmed the price rises around a fortnight ago, sparking widespread criticism. The Reds posted record revenue figures earlier this year.
Several concessions were made by the club, including the freezing of prices for senior, local, and junior tickets. But it plans to increase prices in line with the CPI annual inflation rate, up to a maximum of five per cent.
That means adult general admission ticket prices will go up between £1.25 and £1.75 ($1.66-2.32) per person, per matchday, in addition to adult season tickets increasing between £21.50 and £27 ($29-$36) next season. That equates to a maximum rise of £1.42 ($1.90) per game.
Liverpool cites rising costs as one reason for the increase in ticket pricing. It should also be pointed out that rivals including Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea have increased prices significantly in the last decade or so, whereas the Reds have frozen general admission prices in eight of the last 10 campaigns.
The increases come at a time when the team has been struggling on the field, losing each of its last three matches in all competitions.
In response to that statement from Spion Kop 1906, the Liverpool supporters group Spirit of Shankly, who called for action a few days ago, backed up the sentiment.
"This is the start of supporter action," it said. "We’ve told the club how we feel, let’s show them. If they don’t act on this, then we’ll escalate every game until they do. @LFC — listen to the heartbeat of the club and do the right thing #YNWA."
Fans attending matches have also been told not to spend extra money on things inside the stadium, but to buy food, drinks and merchandise elsewhere.
Messaging around the 'Not a Pound in the Ground' campaign reads: "If the club wants to take more from supporters, then supporters can give less back.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
"We are asking fans, where possible, not to spend money inside the ground. We understand some will need to for medical or other reasons. But if you can avoid it, do."
Protests had already been planned for this weekend's Premier League game against Fulham.
Spirit of Shankly spokesman Gareth Roberts had previously stated: "This is no longer about consultation. That opportunity has been and gone. This is about action.
"The direction is clear: protests will take place. If the club does not value supporter voices, we will make ourselves difficult to ignore. The Supporters’ Board has formally informed the club that action is coming. Now it is on all of us to back it.
"Protests inside and outside Anfield have been discussed. It is agreed they need to happen. This will not be limited to one game. Action will take place across home and away fixtures, starting with Fulham at Anfield and escalating from there."
English (US) ·