Flags will not adorn Anfield’s famous Kop for Thursday’s Europa League clash with Atalanta, as fans protest against ticket price increases for the 2024/25 season.
Spion Kop 1906, who organise flags and banners at the Kop End, announced the move this morning.
A statement said: “We are disappointed in the Football Club’s decision towards ticket prices for 24/25. In response, there will be no flags on the Kop for Thursday night’s game.
“Unlike the club’s own approach, this has been agreed in consultation with other fan groups.”
An array of flags typically decorate Anfield’s Kop – especially on European nights – paying tribute to players and the club’s history.
But after Liverpool announced a 2% rise in ticket prices for 2024/25 for season ticket holders and members general admission tickets, the usual display of banners will not take place.
The club attributed the increases to rising costs across the club and cited a 40% rise in annual operating costs at Anfield over the past six years.
Ticket prices were also raised by 2% for the current season. Before that, ticket prices were frozen for six seasons.
Ahead of the 35th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster on Monday, Spion Kop 1906 said: “We will pay our respects to the 97 with Hillsborough flags only at this weekend’s league match, as always with it being the closest game to the 15th of April.”
The group added: “There is still a chance for the Club to hold some positive dialogue with the Supporters Board in time for Saturday’s meeting.
“Until then, the supporters have only one message: NO TO TICKET PRICE INCREASES”.
In 2016, thousands of Liverpool fans – led by fan groups Spion Kop 1906 and Spirit of Shankly – staged a walkout in the 77th minute of after owners FSG announced price increases for the 2016/17 season, including proposing £77 tickets in the newly redeveloped Main Stand.
(Image used under agreed Alamy licence)
