Jürgen Klopp, the Liverpool manager, has urged his team’s fans to continue their support irrespective of their protest against the upcoming two percent ticket price hike for next season. The first leg of Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final against Atalanta will see a vacant Kop as Spion Kop 1906, the fan group responsible for arranging Anfield’s displays, expresses its discontent over the anticipated increase in season and match-day ticket prices for the 2024-25 season.
Spion Kop along with the supporter’s union, Spirit of Shankly, have criticised Liverpool for not engaging in proper dialogue before enforcing the increase, especially given the current cost of living crisis and the club’s substantial commercial income. Both groups have members in the Liverpool Supporters’ Board, which is expected to have a lawful part in the decision-making process of the club.
Liverpool’s argument for the price escalation points to elevated operating expenses, explaining it as less than £1 per match, while assuring that junior ticket prices will remain unchanged for the next season. Klopp finds himself having to justify the club’s decision amidst preparing for what may possibly be his last European match as Liverpool’s coach at Anfield.
Klopp, who is likely to have Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota, and Alisson at his disposal, expressed that though the absence of flags is of no issue, he very much acknowledges the fans’ apprehensions. He emphasized his clear standpoint of wanting to keep the games accessible for all spectators.
Klopp reminded everyone of Liverpool’s self-sustaining model during his tenure, where the revenue generated is directly invested back into football, and not squandered elsewhere. He appreciates the club’s various community initiatives, yet fully understands the fans’ perspective and is optimistic that an agreeable solution will be arrived at in such circumstances.
Protests often lead to constructive conversations, which is advantageous. It’s crucial that we maintain harmony with our fans and nothing should disrupt our connection amidst the game’s big moments. Holding steadfast to Liverpool’s identity is my plea. We’ve been in situations before, where only flags were present and spectators were absent due to protest against an anticipated ticket price hike in 2016 – an occurrence we don’t wish to revisit. I have faith that a resolution will be found.
“The bond between the team and the spectators has certainly contributed to Liverpool’s unbeaten record of 25 games at Anfield in all competitions this season”, acknowledged Klopp. On the lack of flags at the Atalanta game, Spion Kop 1906 publicly voiced disappointment at the football club’s decision about ticket price adjustments for the years 24-25. Consequently, they decided not to display flags on The Kop for Thursday’s game – a decision reached in consultation with other fan groups.
This weekend’s league match against Crystal Palace will only feature Hillsborough flags to honour the 97, as it is the closest match to the 15th of April. There is still an opportunity for the club to have productive discussions with the Supporters Board ahead of Saturday’s meeting. The supporters’ message remains clear: they are opposed to the proposed increase in ticket prices.” – Guardian.