No flags will be displayed on the Kop during Liverpool’s UEFA Europa League quarter-final first leg against Atalanta at Anfield on Thursday, in response to rising ticket prices.
Last week, Liverpool announced a 2% increase in the prices of season tickets and membership tickets for the upcoming 2024/25 season.
The decision sparked a wave of discontent among supporter groups, with Spirit of Shankly coming out to protest the promotion.
Jurgen Klopp was also asked to comment on the matter in his pre-match press conference, saying: “It’s complicated from my point of view.”
Why are there no flags on the Kop?
Spion Kop 1906, the organization that prepares the Kop banners and flags, decided to take action to protest the increase in ticket prices in Liverpool.
They issued the following statement: “We are disappointed by the football club’s decision regarding ticket prices for 24/25.
“In response, there will be no flags on the Kop for Thursday night’s match. Unlike the club itself, this has been agreed in consultation with other fan groups.
We are disappointed by the Football Club’s decision on ticket prices for 24/25. In response, there will be no flags on The Kop for Thursday night’s match. Unlike the club itself, this was agreed after consultation with other fan groups.
— Spion Kop 1906 (@SpionKop1906) April 10, 2024
“We will pay our respects to the Hillsborough flag-waving 97 only at this weekend’s league match, as always being the match closest to April 15.
“There is still the possibility of the club maintaining a positive dialogue with the supporters’ board in time for Saturday’s meeting. Until then, fans have a message: no to increasing ticket prices.”
In his briefing ahead of the clash with Atalanta, Klopp was pressed on the matter.
“As long as the people are there, everything will be fine. I understand the concerns and arguments, definitely. It’s complicated from my point of view.
“We have to make the stadium available to everyone, things like this, and we are a self-sustaining club. Since I’ve been here, every pound we’ve gained has gone straight into football. It is not wasted on anything. The club does a lot of good things for the community.
“But I 100% understand where the fans are coming from. I’m pretty sure they will find a solution to this situation. It starts perhaps with a protest and then perhaps with follow-up discussions.
“We must make sure that nothing comes between us and the fans, that should not happen. Between the two big whistles, we only have Liverpool left. That’s what I’m asking for.
“Tomorrow would be worse if only the flags were in the stands and no one else. That used to be the case [during the pandemic]. We don’t want that again. They will find a solution, I’m sure.”
Liverpool Premier League fixtures: Matches left in title race
Liverpool have Seven games left in the 2023/24 Premier League season. Three of them are at home at Anfield and four away from home.
Liverpool Premier League schedule: remaining fixtures in 2023/24
| Date | Time (GMT/ET) | Adversary | Far from home | Result |
| March 10th | 15:45 / 11:45 | city man | h | 1-1 |
| March 31st | 2pm / 9am | Brighton | h | 2-1 |
| April 4 | 19:30 / 14:30 | Sheffield United | h | 3-1 |
| April 7 | 15:30 / 10:30 | united man | TO | 2-2 |
| April 14th | 2pm / 9am | crystal Palace | h | — |
| April 20th | 15:00 / 10:00 | Fulham | TO | — |
| April 24 | 8:00 p.m. / 3:00 p.m. | Everton | TO | — |
| April 27 | 15:00 / 10:00 | western ham | TO | — |
| May 4 | 15:00 / 10:00 | Tottenham | h | — |
| May 11 | 15:00 / 10:00 | Aston Villa | TO | — |
| may 19 | 4pm / 11am | Wolves | h | — |
