Liverpool season ticket price increase branded 'cruel and unreasonable' by fans

Liverpool supporters have labeled the club's decision to increase season ticket prices 'unreasonable and unfair'.

The Reds have enjoyed a golden period under Jurgen Klopp, but this season has been hugely underwhelming.

After winning a domestic cup double, going toe-to-toe with Manchester City in the title race and coming within a whisker of winning the Champions League last season, the Reds currently find themselves sixth in the Premier League table.

Liverpool look set to to bow out of Europe at the last-16 stage after a humiliating 5-2 first leg loss to Real Madrid, but that hasn't dissuaded Anfield bosses from ending an eight-year season ticket price freeze.

Next season's season tickets at Anfield, which cover all 19 home Premier League games, will rise by 2 per cent, which is the equivalent to up to £17.

The majority of single match tickets will increase by £1, despite Anfield's capacity increasing to 61,000 in the summer when the new £80m Anfield Road Stand is completed.

The expansion means that there will be 1,000 extra season ticket holders and 3,000 extra single game tickets made available for each match.

Elected members of the Supporters’ Board made it clear to the club that they would oppose and price increases.

"To implement any price increase during this cost of living crisis is cruel, unjust, unreasonable and unfair," their statement read.

"These increases also come at a time when LFC is reporting record revenues, increased sponsorship income and significant increases from success on the pitch.

"Support for your football team stems from loyalty and that loyalty is two way. Fans cannot switch allegiance from one club to another yet it is their pockets which are being hit."

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The group said that they suggested several alternative options to the club, including better concourse facilities, sponsorship deals and sand naming rights.

“It is unfortunate and disappointing that they have not chosen to fully listen to the voice of the fans and recognise that football fans are not the cash cow to their balance sheet," the group said.

In a statement announcing the price hikes, Liverpool said:

"LFC carefully considered all aspects of these ticketing changes and didn’t take the decision lightly to increase prices.

"The rise is a result of significant rising costs across the club. In the past five years, annual operating costs for Anfield have increased by nearly 40 per cent, and utility costs have gone up by 100 per cent this season."

Liverpool are not the only top-six club increasing prices for 2023/24; Arsenal and Manchester United both recently announced season ticket price increases of five per cent.