Liverpool back down on ticket-price hike

If anything, the Football Supporters’ Federation were too moderate with their demand to peg ticket prices for away fans at £20.

From next season, Premier League clubs will benefit from the start of a new three-year £5.1bn domestic television rights deal – rising to about £8bn with overseas rights contracts.

Supporters were protesting the proposed ticket prices for next season, with some prices expected to rise to a staggering £77.

Can Leicester do the impossible?

The Reds legend joined fans at Anfield in walking out on the 77th minute during the game against Sunderland on Saturday as part of a demonstration against the newly announced ticket prices for the 2016/17 season.

“The FSF will be convening a meeting of representatives of supporters’ organisations across the Premier League to discuss the next steps in the campaign”.

A Liverpool fan, he pointed out that by being in the ground to walkout out those fans had already paid for their ticket and he suggested that the owners of football clubs couldn’t give a damn what time you leave the ground so long as they have already got your money in their bank account. Fans undoubtedly hoped the added revenue would stop clubs from increasing their ticket prices, but it seems a number of owners aren’t listening.

Other more achievable options include targeting club sponsors and shaming them into taking a stand, something Liverpool fans attempted with the fast-food chain Subway.

Speaking on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, the former Liverpool boss said: “Liverpool have tried to explain that it is only about a very few amount of tickets but if it is about a very few amount of tickets then really it shouldn’t be bothering them at all”.

Whatever their tactics, it could be now or never if supporters are to succeed in forcing teams to share some of their broadcast windfall by way of price reductions. The unique and sacred relationship between Liverpool Football Club and its supporters has always been foremost in our minds.

I fully support their stance, just as I did when Manchester City and Newcastle United fans got together before their clash at The Etihad earlier in the season to protest.

“Prices are way too high comparable to other leisure activities”.

But Tigers prove more than a match for the Premier League giants when it comes to value for money. You may not like it, but that’s the reality of football in today’s global marketplace.

It was not only the pricing structure unveiled by FSG in the light of the Premier League’s new TV deal that last week sparked anger.

Those departing were decent fans, not revolutionaries, many of whom know their ticket will be the same price next season but are considering future generations.

“But at the end of the day you can’t keep putting that load on to the fans”.

The timing reflected the £77 ($112, 99 euros) being asked for the most expensive ticket at Anfield next season.

At a time when matchday revenue contributes an ever smaller percentage of their total income, it appears to be one they are determined to pass up.