Why Liverpool fans won't be in Anfield for the warm-up against Fulham this weekend

Martin Macdonald

• 7 Apr 2026 12:01 CDT
• 3 min read

News

A significant portion of Liverpool supporters will not be in Anfield for the match against Fulham until as close to kick-off time as possible.

Normally, fans of the Reds head into the stadium in plenty of time so they can watch the warm-up, soak in the atmosphere, and perhaps indulge in some food and drink.

However, supporters are protesting a decision from the club to raise season ticket prices for the next three seasons in a row and have vowed not to spend any money at concession stands on Saturday.

It's all part of The Spirit of Shankly group's 'not another pound in the ground' campaign.

A statement from the group said: "Liverpool FC has chosen to ignore clear, overwhelming opposition from its own supporters and push ahead with plans to increase ticket prices.

"Fans do not accept this decision. And if the club's owners won't listen, then we make them.

"This is no longer about consultation. That opportunity has been and gone. This is about action.

"If it goes unchallenged, it sets a precedent. Not just for Liverpool, but across the game."

Next season, season ticket prices are increasing by between £21.50 and £27, while individual match tickets for non season ticket holders are increasing by between £1.25 and £1.75.

These will increase more in two years and then three years from now so supporters may have to pay around £100 more for a season ticket in 2029 compared to 2026.

Liverpool will have increased their ticket prices in five out of the last six seasons if this continues until 2029.

They defended this stance due to a rise in operational costs.

"Matchday operating costs have significantly increased, with rises of 85% since 2016-17, and continued rises in the cost of football operations in general", the club said.

"In the past four years, utility costs across the club have also increased by 107% and business rates in that same period have grown by 286%, while wages – excluding player salaries – have risen by 73 per cent."

However, the Spirit of Shankly group believes Liverpool risks alienating its most loyal fans.

"It's about what kind of football club Liverpool chooses to be", the group said. "One rooted in its people, or one that sees them as a revenue stream to be pushed year after year.

"The key point is simple: this [action] will grow and escalate.

"If you care about this issue, you need to be part of it. Turn up. Join in. Back it. Encourage others to take part.

"This only works if enough of us make it work."

Defending Premier League champions Liverpool have had a rough season in 2025/26 and are currently in fifth, battling to qualify for the Champions League, five points adrift of Aston Villa in fourth.

This week, they face Paris Saint-Germain in a crunch Champions League quarter-final tie.

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