Protests from Liverpool fan groups over matchday costs have worked as the club has today announced ticket prices will be frozen for next season.
The club increased prices by two per cent this season which led to banners on the Kop calling out the ‘greed’ of owners Fenway Sports Group and other protests outside Anfield.
Former boss Jurgen Klopp even spoke out on this and said he wished fans and the club could find a resolution.
But Liverpool have now frozen prices which means the average ticket on the Kop costs the same as it did when FSG first set the numbers 15 years ago.
It comes against the backdrop of increased operating costs at Anfield due to stadium developments. These have gone up by 80 per cent since 2016-17.
The club has also updated its ‘ticketing principles’ which include: fairness to ensure access to tickets is realistic; a simple system to follow; a system which is protected against misuse and touting; ensure every seat is full to create a loud and positive atmosphere; and to ensure ticket revenue allows to fund the club’s fight for trophies on the pitch.
Liverpool owners FSG, led by John Henry (pictured), have frozen ticket prices for next season
The most expensive ticket inside Anfield is set at £61 and will stay that way for now
Protests on ticket prices from fan groups such as Spirit of Shankly seemed to have worked
A statement from supporter group Spirit of Shankly, read: ‘We welcome Liverpool’s decision to freeze ticket prices. This decision is ultimately a positive step and a recognition of supporters’ concerns about the rising cost of attending matches.
‘With record revenues, an expanded Anfield capacity, and a corporate offering of 11,000 seats, we have consistently argued that further ticket price increases were unnecessary.
‘This freeze is progress. But our fight for fairer ticketing, lower prices and the preservation of football culture continues.’
At Anfield, the most expensive ticket is £61. This is a 28 per cent increase in the last 15 years but is set against an inflation rise of 45 per cent in that time. On the Kop, the most expensive ticket is £45.
Liverpool insist they value supporters’ feedback and their pricing structure and values came after consultation with official supporter groups plus a survey sent round to 500,000 fans, of which 62,000 responded.
Access to tickets plus the online purchasing process were earmarked as two areas for improvement by fans, with the website often having problems in recent years.
