A protest is set to take place outside Anfield today ahead of the Premier League clash between Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion.
The demonstration, organized by the supporters’ union Spirit of Shankly, is part of the Football Supporters’ Association’s campaign titled “Stop Exploiting Loyalty.”
Similar actions are planned across the Premier League this weekend.
Spirit of Shankly has collaborated with Fans Supporting Foodbanks and Dogma, a Brighton & Hove Albion fanzine, to amplify their message.
The movement has been prompted by a significant increase in ticket prices, with 19 out of 20 top-flight clubs raising costs over the summer.
Liverpool announced a 2% price hike in March, which led supporter group Spion Kop 1906, responsible for organizing flags and banners on match days, to impose a “blackout” on the Kop during the Europa League quarter-final against Atalanta.
This decision resulted in a 3-0 defeat for Liverpool, highlighting the critical role of supporter backing and the subdued atmosphere stemming from the protest.
Rather than enforcing a blanket ban, fans will display a banner today on the Kop bearing the pointed message: “Stop Exploiting Loyalty,” alongside the usual matchday decorations.
The club cited a ‘significant increase in costs’ as the reason for the price hike, with Reds CEO Billy Hogan explaining the decision during the team’s pre-season tour in Philadelphia.
“In this case, [the pros and cons of a price rise] is something we always consider,” he said.
“Two per cent, people took issue with that. In terms of the profits of the club, people can see that everything we generate we invest back in the club.
“We don’t take any consideration around ticket price increases lightly. But it is something we felt was needed.
“The costs of operating Anfield have gone up. The utilities have gone up 100% in the last year.
“The operations and expense have gone up dramatically in the last nine years.
“I know people feel passionately about it, we do the same.
“We never take any decision lightly. But we thought it was justified in this case.”
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