- Liverpool fans are protesting ticket price increase
- Arne Slot hails fans support for players
- Highlights importance of fans at Anfield
Liverpool fans will continue their protest against ticket prices at Anfield this weekend, but are also planning to take it to the next level against Crystal Palace.
Fenway Sports Group (FSG) announced that they will be increasing the ticket prices this summer, with further increases planned for the next couple of seasons. The Reds faithful have strongly opposed the club’s proposed plans and have been vocal about their feelings.
The Kop banned flags and banners for the rest of the season, and are now teaming up with the other major fan groups, including Spirit of Shankly, Spion Kop 1906, Kop Outs, and cultuRED. Fans on Saturday, April 25, are set to be handed out yellow cards to display at Anfield.
The coordinated effort reportedly aims to hand out 75,000 yellow cards for the protest in the 13th minute. The proposed ticket price increase would see a stunning 13% increase for the fans, and thus, the minute has been picked by the fan groups.
Arne Slot comments on Liverpool fan protest
Arne Slot has backed the Liverpool fans in their protest, saying that disagreements are common in football. He added that protests have been aimed at decision-makers, but the fans have not forgotten that they need to back the players.
Recalling the protest against Fulham earlier this month, the head coach said that the fans were in full support of the players, and that was needed during matches. He hopes they continue to back the players, especially Freddie Woodman, who could make his first Premier League start on Saturday.
“As long as I am in football, there will be disagreements. Almost all the time, these disagreements are between people who want the best for the club. It could be me and a player, someone else. There was a protest two weeks ago against Fulham but we still had the support from the fans. When we have a protest like this, they are still there to support the team. That is what is needed tomorrow especially for someone like Freddie Woodman and the rest of the team.”
Alisson and Giorgi Mamardashvili are ruled out for Liverpool today, and the former Newcastle United goalkeeper is expected to start.
Spirit of Shankly write open letter to Liverpool owners
Spirit of Shankly wrote an open letter to Fenway Sports Group (FSG) this month, reminding the Liverpool owners that the fans are a key part of the club. They acknowledged the increase in matchday operational costs but are unsure why fans are being forced to bear them, even as revenue has also increased.
“We understand the importance of running the club sustainably, but don’t believe this should be at the expense of supporters. We acknowledge an 85% increase in matchday operation costs, over the past decade, but these come in part due to the expansion of the stadium. Matchday revenue is also up by 85%, so the costs are surely covered?”
“The club’s total revenues have also grown by 133% to £703m. As supporter representatives, we face a unique challenge – wanting the very best for our club in the short, medium and long term. Decisions made by the current custodians will impact supporters, some of whom are not yet born, for generations to come. We want to be able to say: we did all we could to ensure the support and traditions continue to be passed on.”
Jamie Carragher also questioned the decision to increase ticket prices, noting that the club’s revenue is among the best in the league and that there was little to no need to place the burden on fans.
