Liverpool supporters, led by the group Spirit of Shankly, are showing their support for West Ham fans in a protest over rising ticket prices in football, particularly regarding the removal of concessionary tickets at West Ham’s London Stadium.
Ahead of the League Cup tie between Liverpool and West Ham, Spirit of Shankly will stand in solidarity with West Ham fan groups, Hammers United and Old School Hammers. The protest is set to take place an hour before kickoff at Flagpole Corner by the Kop, a symbolic location for Liverpool fans.
This joint effort comes in response to West Ham’s decision to scrap concessionary pricing for juniors and those over 66 for new season ticket holders. Hammers United also pointed out that there were no concessionary tickets available for general sale at West Ham’s first two home games of the season, against Aston Villa and Manchester City. Even disabled supporters faced the full price for tickets, causing further outrage among fans.
In addition to the removal of concessions, West Ham increased the prices for existing season ticket holders by 6 to 11 percent, despite inflation only rising by 2.2 percent. This sparked discontent among fans who feel their loyalty is being overlooked.
Paul Khan, chair of Spirit of Shankly, expressed his concerns, saying, “There’s a worrying trend in the Premier League, where clubs are raising prices and reducing concessions, with little regard for their loyal supporters, particularly the elderly, young, and disabled. It’s crucial that fans from all clubs unite to challenge this trend and push for fairness.”
He added, “Football is for the people, and fans deserve to be treated with respect. We stand in full support of Hammers United and Old School Hammers in their fight for fair ticket prices.”
Similarly, Paul Colborne, chair of Hammers United, expressed his gratitude to Liverpool supporters. “We are deeply thankful to Liverpool fans for standing with us. Supporters are the heart and soul of football, yet our loyalty is being sidelined for profit. We join forces with Liverpool fans and all supporters across the country to demand fairness and respect for every fan who makes football what it is.”
He emphasized that the issue goes beyond just ticket prices. “It’s not just about the cost of tickets, it’s about preserving the soul of the game. Seniors, young people, and those with disabilities are being priced out of stadiums they’ve called home for years.”
Liverpool, like West Ham, also face challenges regarding ticket prices. Earlier this year, Liverpool fans protested a price hike for the 2024/25 season by leaving the Kop without flags in a symbolic move during a 3-0 defeat to Atalanta. Despite the protest, the price increase went ahead.
Both fan groups, along with others, are now calling for unity in resisting the rising costs and the exploitation of loyal supporters across the Premier League.
COMMENTS