By Andrew Warshaw
February 5 – For the first time in their history, Liverpool supporters are planning to stage a walkout tomorrow during the Premier League fixture with Sunderland in protest at planned season ticket hikes for next season.
The Premier League, for all its global popularity, prices many fans out of the market and two supporters groups – The Spion Kop 1906 group and the Spirit of Shankly (SoS) – have urged supporters to leave their seats in the 77th minute in protest at the £77 top-priced ticket in the new main stand, up from £59.
A Spirit of Shankly statement said it had received no explanation from Liverpool’s American owners and added: “The outcome is extremely disappointing and a missed opportunity for Liverpool to lead in a fairer approach to ticket prices. We believe it is right and fair to lower ticket prices in order to sustain our support and subsequently the atmosphere inside Anfield.”
Liverpool announced this week that some season tickets for the 2016/17 campaign would be priced at more than £1,000, just a time when TV revenue has gone up massively, infuriating supporters who believe they should benefit from the deal.
In announcing its price structure this week, Liverpool claimed 64% of season tickets would decrease or freeze but fans were not impressed. “Liverpool think it is acceptable to make more money than ever before from supporters,” said a Spion Kop 1906 statement.
“There are some small reductions but the news overall is that prices are going up by quite large amounts,” a Spirit of Shankly spokesman added. “This is despite the fact that the club promised to work with supporters’ groups and take their views on board. This is now a moment in time for fans to show how they feel about constantly being asked to fork out more.”
Ian Ayre, Liverpool’s chief executive, said the club had done its best to suit as many people as possible. “What is affordable to one person is different to another,” Ayre said. “With that in mind we tried to create a range of prices. We have listened to fans’ concerns and come up with some new initiatives, and we hope there is something for all.”
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