Why Liverpool flags will be missing from Kop in Europa League tie

Liverpool supporters' groups have announced a withdrawal of flags at the Kop end for Thursday's Europa League clash with Atalanta.

The action has been taken in protest at Liverpool raising season ticket prices by two per cent last week, meaning there will be a very different look and feel to proceedings as Jurgen Klopp's side aim to put themselves in a strong position for the two-legged quarter-final tie.

A statement from supporters' group Spion Kop 1906 read: "We are disappointed in the 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, 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."

Season ticket prices at Liverpool were increased by two per cent for the 2023/24 season, ending an eight-year freeze at the club. A statement from the club said operating costs for Anfield, which now has a capacity of 61,000 after an £80m refurbishment of the Anfield Road Stand, had increased by nearly 40 per cent, in an attempt to provide reasoning for the move.

But supporters' union Spirit of Shankly accused the club of "preying on supporter loyalty" by increasing prices, adding that the club are "looking to squeeze as much as they can from the people who can least afford it".

Liverpool are in contention to win a second Premier League title in four years, while they are favourites to win this season's Europa League. They have already won the Carabao Cup in what is Jurgen Klopp's final season in charge - the German announced in January he will step down as manager, citing burnout as a major factor in his decision.

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