Liverpool fans are organizing a protest during the club's match against Sunderland on Saturday, Feb. 6, to protest an increase in ticket prices.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the club announced a variety of changes in ticket prices. Most notably, the price of a ticket in the stadium's new main stand will cost £77 per ticket ($112 U.S.) the highest ever, and a significant increase from the current price of £59 ($85 U.S.).
Despite the increase in high-end tickets, Liverpool's cheif executive Ian Ayre feels the club did its best to satisfy all parties.
"What is affordable to one person is different to another," Ayre said, according to the Guardian. "With that in mind we tried to create a range of prices. We have listened to fans' concerns and come up with some new initiatives, and we hope there is something for all."
Two of Liverpool's main supporters groups, the Spirit of Shankly and Spion Kop 1906, worked with the club for 13 months to come to an agreement on ticket prices. The supporters felt it was in vain, and SoS released a statement on its website expressing disappointment in the lack of compliance from Liverpool.
"...[W]e are extremely disappointed at the prices and the missed opportunity by the club to deal with the issue of ticket prices...We engaged fully in the last thirteen months to find a solution that benefits all supporters. The clubs proposals do not do that," SoS said in the statement.
Liverpool fan community This Is Anfield released a statement from Spion Kop 1906, urging supporters to leave their seats on Saturday in protest to the increase in prices.
Spion Kop 1906's statement reads:
"Sunderland at home on Saturday, the first stage of many planned protests against the club in regards to the ticket prices at Anfield for the 2016/17 season.
"LFC think it's acceptable to make more money than ever before from supporters. £2million more.
"That means price rises for many. £77 match tickets and £1,029 season tickets.
"Big increases for some, a few frozen and others get a tiny bit off. The club still make more.
"Don't think it's OK because yours is OK.
"Who will get the next increases do you think?
"Every week we get right behind the team.
"Now supporters need to get behind each other.
"Let's make sure the owners know this is unacceptable.
"On 77 minutes, leave your seat and walk out. Tell your mates and family. Tell the people around you. Tell them why.
"Walk out on 77 minutes and show you care.
"Love the team - Hate the prices. #WalkOutOn77."
This would be the first staged walk-out by Liverpool fans, but an SoS spokesperson hopes it will send a message to the club, according to the Guardian.
"It is something of a first and we have no idea how it will go, but one thing that is certain is that hundreds of supporters and season-ticket holders are furious about the prices going up again. If as many people walk out as have contacted us over the last couple of days the effect will be noticeable," said the spokesperson.
Saturday is your chance to make your feelings known. Unhappy with the prices for next season? Then #WalkOutOn77 pic.twitter.com/KZQ29F2GKK
— Spion Kop 1906 (@SpionKop1906) February 4, 2016
