Why there will be NO flags in Liverpool's legendary Kop for Atalanta tie
Liverpool's legendary Kop end will look very different for tonight's Europa League clash against Atalanta.
The Reds resume their European venture against Atalanta following their comfortable 11-2 aggregate victory over Sparta Prague.
Jurgen Klopp's side head into the quarter-final first-leg tie having drawn 2-2 against Manchester United in the Premier League.
It's set to be a cauldron-like atmosphere inside Anfield as Liverpool set their sights on Europa League glory.
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But tonight's fixture will look very different to a normal home Liverpool game.
That's because there will be NO flags in the Kop in protest at rising ticket prices.
Liverpool announced a two per cent increase in the cost of season tickets and members' tickets for the 2024/25 season last week, sparking widespread outrage.
Spirit of Shankly, a supporters' group, slammed the club's decision to increase ticket prices.
They warned that loyal fans are 'slowly being priced out of regular attendance'.
Spion Kop 1906, which organises the banners and flags in the Kop, have acted as they won't display flags to make a point to Liverpool's owners.
A statement 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. Unlike the club’s own approach, this has been agreed in consultation with other fan groups.
"We will pay our respects to the 97 with Hillsborough flags only at this weekend’s league match (against Crystal Palace on Sunday), as always with it being the closest game to April 15.
"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."
Klopp had his say on the matter as he's confident there will be a solution to the situation.
"As long as the people are there, it’s all good. I understand the concerns and the discussions, definitely," he said. "It’s a tricky one from my point of view.
"We have to make the stadium available for everybody, stuff like this, and we’re a self-sustaining club. As long as I’ve been here, each pound we’ve earned has gone directly back into football. It’s not wasted on something. The club does a lot of good things for the community.
"But I understand 100 per cent where the supporters are coming from. I am pretty sure they will find a solution in this situation. It starts with maybe a protest and then maybe follow-up discussions.
"We should make sure that nothing gets between us and the supporters, it should not happen. Between the two big whistles, we just have to be Liverpool. That’s what I’m asking for.
"It would be worse tomorrow if only the flags were in the stand 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."
Nasir Jabbar