Virgil van Dijk sends strong message to Liverpool owners over ticket protests - 'benefits no-one'
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Echo or go back to LFC Live.
SportFootballLiverpool FCVirgil van Dijk has spoken about the protests from Liverpool supporters over the planned increase in ticket prices at AnfieldVirgil van Dijk has urged the Liverpool hierarchy not to ignore the growing discontent among fans over the planned increase in ticket prices and believes supporters have a "fair right" to protest against the proposal.The club announced last month its intention to raise the cost of tickets in line with inflation over the next three years, which will see season ticket prices increase next season alone from between £21.50 and £27 while individual match tickets increase between £1.25 and £1.75.It prompted an angry response from Liverpool fan groups, with Reds chief executive Billy Hogan subsequently moved to send an email to each season-ticket holder defending and explaining the decision.Nevertheless, supporters' union Spirit of Shankly pressed ahead with their organised matchday protests at Anfield which started with the Premier League visit of Fulham on Saturday evening.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook pageAs part of a 'Not A Pound In The Ground' drive, fans were implored to not spend anything inside the stadium, while supporters group Spion Kop 1906 removed all their flags from the Kop with the only banner one which stated "No To Ticket Price Increases" which was paraded at the front of the stand during the first half.Chants followed shortly afterwards aimed at Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group stating "shove your prices up your a***" and "you greed b*******, enough is enough".And when asked about the situation following the Reds' 2-0 win, Liverpool captain Van Dijk underlined the importance of supporters and their voice while being hopeful of a resolution."I think the fans are the heart and soul of the club," he said.
"If they feel like this then protest is their fair right."Hopefully they come to a solution with the club. These things are far above my position as captain of the club."But my opinion is that our fans are the club.
They always have been - before my time and after my time. It's important that these things get solved because it benefits no-one."Choose Liverpool Echo as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCVirgil van Dijk