Virgil van Dijk makes feelings clear on Liverpool protests as pressure builds

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Liverpool supporters protested against the club's ticket price hike during the 2-0 win over Fulham on Saturday, and Virgil van Dijk has now had his say on the matter

Virgil van Dijk has offered his thoughts(Image: Stan Sport)

Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk has called on the club's owners to sit down and reach an agreement with supporters following protests over plans to increase ticket prices.

Fans united behind the "not a pound in the ground" campaign both before and during Saturday's 2-0 victory over Fulham at Anfield. A banner was also displayed at the Kop End bearing the message: "No to ticket price increases."

The Kop looked noticeably different for the Premier League fixture, with numerous flags and banners taken down as part of the demonstration following a decision made by fan group Spion Kop 1906. Supporters also chanted: "Shove your prices up your a---," and: "You greed b-----, enough is enough" throughout the match.

On Friday, Liverpool CEO Billy Hogan wrote to season ticket holders and members to outline the club's decision to raise ticket prices in line with inflation over the next three years.

Van Dijk has now spoken out, asserting that the current standoff benefits "no one."

"I think the fans are the heart and soul of the club," the defender said.

Liverpool fans protested on Saturday(Image: Getty Images)

"If they feel like this then protest is their fair right. Hopefully, they come to a solution with the club.

"These things are far above my position as captain of the club.

"But my opinion is that our fans are the club. They always have been — before my time and after my time.

"It's important that these things get solved because it benefits no one."

Liverpool supporters' union Spirit of Shankly is planning further protests over the coming weeks, with the Reds next in action on Tuesday at home to Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal.

"Action will take place across home and away fixtures, starting with Fulham at Anfield and escalating from there," they said in a statement.

"Details to follow. But the key point is simple: this will grow and escalate. This isn't just about price. It's about direction."

Liverpool manager Arne Slot said ahead of the Fulham fixture: "I hope even in protest that they (the fans) can be as helpful as they have always been for us."