Liverpool fan groups have written an open letter to the club warning that rising ticket prices run the risk of “killing the Kop”.
The Anfield hierarchy have previously committed to “meaningful engagement” with the Supporters’ Board over the cost of tickets ahead of the 2025-26 season and the issue will be discussed at a meeting on Monday.
Prices rose by two per cent ahead of this season and the letter sent to Liverpool managing director Andy Hughes — signed by Spirit of Shankly, Spion Kop 1906, Official Liverpool Supporter Clubs’ Network, Liverpool Women Supporters’ Club and cultuRED — urges the club to make tickets cheaper.
“We understand that football is a business and other clubs make a choice to target the richest people interested in attending stadiums without consideration of the consequences for culture and atmosphere,” it reads.
“But football is also a community. Liverpool FC is in Anfield, and should be of Anfield; a Premier League match should not be off limits to a supporter growing up in the same postcode as the club.
“We know the club will argue that every penny generated is reinvested, but the revenue from ticket price increases for general admission and season ticket holders represents a fraction of the club’s overall income. It is a myth that ticket price rises are required to remain competitive.
“Pricing out supporters risks undermining the very foundation of what makes Liverpool FC special. The Kop, the culture of it, and the people in it, should be valued and protected.
“Clubs in Germany, Brentford here in the Premier League, and others elsewhere have shown that success on and off the pitch does not require exploiting supporters at every turn, every year.”
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Adult general admission tickets at Anfield currently cost between £9 and £61 with the price of adult season tickets ranging from £713 to £904.
The fan groups want to see both general admission and season tickets reduced ahead of the 2025-26 season.
The letter adds: “The Football Supporters’ Association has called for a freeze across the Premier League, but we believe prices are already too high and should be reduced. In April 2024, LFC agreed to review its engagement with the Supporters’ Board, particularly on ticket pricing.
“We are eager to see how this commitment takes shape in the coming weeks. Our aim is to work collaboratively with the club to develop solutions that address the needs of all stakeholders.
“We do not want prices to kill the Kop or deter passionate, generational supporters from attending matches at Anfield.
“We believe that by working together, we can safeguard the future of Liverpool FC as we know and love it, and as it is known worldwide, ensuring it remains accessible to all, continues to inspire generations of fans and continues to demonstrate the celebrated storied bond between players, manager and supporters.”
The Supporters’ Board, established in 2022, gives fans representation at board level. It consists of 10 Spirit of Shankly committee members, plus six other representatives drawn from other fan organisations covering the interests of Liverpool’s diverse global fanbase.
(Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
