Liverpool fans to stage series of protests against ticket price rises | OneFootball

Liverpool fans are to stage a series of protests against ticket price rises made in the face of "overwhelming opposition" from supporters.

Late last month it was announced general admission tickets would rise in line with inflation for the next three seasons, despite discussions with the Supporters' Board, who petitioned for a freeze.

In announcing the new plan, the club - which last season made a profit after tax of £8m - cited matchday operating costs which have risen 85 per cent since 2016-17.

It has led to supporters group Spirit of Shankly (SoS) hastily arranging protests, starting at Saturday's home televised match with Fulham, which will "grow and escalate".

A similar tactic in 2016, which saw fans stage a 70th-minute walkout against proposals for a £70 match ticket, resulted in owners Fenway Sports Group performing a U-turn.

"Liverpool FC has chosen to ignore clear, overwhelming opposition from its own supporters and push ahead with plans to increase ticket prices for the next three seasons," said a SoS statement.

"The open meeting online, the survey and countless conversations all point to the same thing: fans do not accept this decision. And if the club's owners won't listen, then we make them.

"This is no longer about consultation. That opportunity has been and gone. This is about action. Protests inside and outside Anfield have been discussed. It is agreed they need to happen.

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Liverpool fans are set to protest against rising ticket prices (Getty Images)

"This will not be limited to one game. Action will take place across home and away fixtures, starting with Fulham at Anfield and escalating from there. The key point is simple: this will grow and escalate."

SoS said the locking-in of prices for three years removes "meaningful annual security from supporters" and would set a precedent which could become prevalent across the Premier League if not challenged.

"This decision sits with ownership. They have made the call. They can reverse it," added the statement.

"We will be taking steps to make sure that message reaches them directly."

Among the steps being implemented is a call for fans not to spend money inside the ground and to delay season ticket renewals until close to the deadline.

It is understood Liverpool remain committed to meaningful consultation with the Supporters' Board and while they respect a right to protest, they are disappointed it is being viewed as the next step.