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Liverpool fans will remove their iconic flags from the Kop for the final games of the season as part of their protest against ticket price rises.
The Reds confirmed price rises for the next three seasons a fortnight ago, sparking widespread anger among supporters, particularly after the club reported record revenues earlier this year – around £8million last season after tax.
In announcing the decision, the club pointed to matchday operating costs rising by 85 per cent since 2016-17, as well as ‘continued rises in the cost of football operations in general’.
Supporters’ Union Spirit of Shankly have already encouraged fans not to spend money at Anfield and to delay renewing season tickets until closer to the deadline on May 25 to ‘send a message’ to American owners Fenway Sports Group.
Now, supporters group Spion Kop 1906 has announced that they will remove their flags from Anfield for their remaining fixtures.
In a statement, the group wrote: ‘After much consultation, all Spion Kop 1906 flags will no longer be present at Anfield at the remaining fixtures.
Supporters’ Union of Shankly have already encouraged fans not to spend money at Anfield and to delay renewing season tickets until closer to the deadline on May 25 to ‘send a message’
Fans introduced similar action before Liverpool’s Europa League quarter-final tie against Atalanta at Anfield in April 2024 to protest against the club’s decision to increase ticket prices
‘We feel we have been left with no other option. Year on year the rising costs are pricing more fans out of football.
‘We must take a stand against the rising cost of football, we feel there’s a value to being valued.
‘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 surrounding 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.’
The group said that they will ‘pay our respects at the closest game to the anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster (on April 15)’, which will be next Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final, where Liverpool are trailing by two goals after the first leg. As a result, some flags will still be present for the fixture.
Fans introduced similar action before Liverpool’s Europa League quarter-final tie against Atalanta at Anfield in April 2024 to protest against the club’s decision to increase ticket prices for season ticket holders and members by 2 per cent.
Liverpool lost the match 3-0 in what proved to be Jurgen Klopp’s final European game as manager at Anfield.
