Anfield set to look completely different as Liverpool fans plot unique protest ahead of Europa League clash

There will be no flags on Anfield’s Kop End in Liverpool’s upcoming Europa League quarter final against Atalanta.

European encounters at the Reds’ famous home are always a fantastic spectacle, but the Kop will look drastically different as fans prepare to protest over a rise in ticket prices.

Supporters’ group Spion Kop 1906 revealed the decision ahead of the Thursday night clash, in response to Liverpool’s announcement of a two per cent rise in season ticket prices for the 2024/25 season.

This is the lowest price increase across the Premier League so far, which the club explained is a result of operating costs for Anfield rising by ‘nearly 40 per cent’.

They also said that the decision will see season ticket holders pay less than £1 extra per game, while junior ticket prices were frozen too.

Despite this, the group, which is responsible for the vibrant displays in Liverpool’s home end, announced that they will be taking action over the news.

A statement on X read: “We are disappointed in the Football Club’s decision towards ticket prices for 24/25. In response, there will be no flags on The Kop for Thursday night’s game.”

The fan collective then expressed disappointment over a lack of communication between the club and its supporters: “Unlike the Club’s own approach, this has been agreed in consultation with other fan groups.”

Although the Kop will look rather bare when they host the Serie A side, the group revealed that they will honour the victims of the Hillsborough disaster in their next league game at home to Crystal Palace.

With the clash falling a day before the 35th anniversary of the tragedy on April 15, it is tradition for the club to remember the 97 supporters who lost their lives in the closest home fixture.

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The statement assured that this would still be the case: “We will pay our respects to the 97 with Hillsborough flags only at this weekend’s league match, as always with it being the closest game to the 15th of April.”

The fan-run platform finished off by urging the Liverpool to reconsider the ticket decision: “There is still a chance for the Club to hold some positive dialogue with the Supporters Board in time for Saturday’s meeting.

“Until then the supporters have one message: NO TO TICKET PRICE INCREASES.”

While some supporters voiced their support for the proposed action, others were more critical, and expressed their concern that this could have negative effect on Liverpool’s run-in.

One fan wrote: “This makes zero sense.

“It’s just a two per cent increase which seems pretty reasonable, and the atmosphere this season has already been flat. Do we need to make it worse?”

Another added: “This isn’t the right time for this . Players need our support more than ever.”

Jurgen Klopp’s side will certainly hope to lean on their fans’ support as they head into this season’s crucial stage, with the Reds currently locked in a three-way title race on top of their bid for European glory.

The Merseyside outfit will look to secure a positive first leg result at home to Atalanta before quickly turning their attention to the Crystal Palace clash, as they target a dream send-off for outgoing manager Klopp.