Last week, Liverpool FC announced that ticket prices for next season would be increased by 2%, news which led to outcry from numerous Reds supporters.

Despite a subsequent meeting with the club’s Supporters Board, the decision was made not to reverse that planned price rise.

Although the rate of increase is lesser than other Premier League clubs who’ve taken similar action – Tottenham announced a 6% raise to season ticket prices for the 2024/25 campaign – the move by LFC has nonetheless left a sour taste at a rather inopportune time.

Liverpool fan group Spion Kop 1906 took a stand against the club’s plans to raise ticket prices by refusing to display flags on the Kop for last week’s Europa League quarter-final clash at home to Atalanta.

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Although the atmosphere at Anfield was strangely subdued that night, the subsequent 0-3 defeat was still a shock to the system, and attempts by some social media users to pin that result on the supporters were frankly ridiculous.

As Gareth Roberts – who represents The Spirit of Shankly and the Supporters’ Board – explained to BBC Radio Merseyside, the ticket price decision is reflective of a ‘worrying direction of travel’ across English football where the considerations of match-going fans are being neglected.

He rightly pointed out that Liverpool will benefit from greater income next season due to Anfield’s expanded capacity and the near-certain return to the Champions League, so the 2% increase in ticket prices shouldn’t have been necessary.

READ MORE: ‘The one worry…’ – Journalist cites big Liverpool doubt which could scupper Reds’ title hopes

The mood around the club was jovial as April began, with Jurgen Klopp’s side still in the hunt for two trophies to add to the Carabao Cup which was secured in February, but the Reds’ season has threatened to unravel over the past fortnight.

With the potential for something special to happen in the manager’s final few weeks on Merseyside, the board chose a terrible time to announce the ticket price increase, and the damage not just to the team’s fortunes but also the club’s reputation could be far more costly than any benefits from the 2% raise in matchday admission.

Anfield has so often been bouncing at this stage of the season when Liverpool are in the hunt for major trophies, but the atmosphere has been one of anger during the defeats to Atalanta and Crystal Palace, with those two results obviously not helping matters either.

FSG have had an unfortunate habit of taking decisions which badly misjudge the feeling among the majority of fans, and they’ve made a rod for their own backs once more with the announcement over ticket prices for 2024/25.

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On the anniversary of the Hillsborough Stadium disaster, it was fitting that representatives from the club paid their respects at Anfield – including Jurgen Klopp and Virgil van Dijk.

As reported on liverpoolfc.com, those present were: ‘LFC CEO Billy Hogan and Sir Kenny Dalglish, and the respective managers and captains of the club’s men’s and women’s teams…

‘So too did representatives of the Reds’ U21s and U18s squads, as well as club ambassadors Ian Rush, John Barnes and Natasha Dowie, and later the Lord Mayor, Cllr Mary Rasmussen, and Leader of Liverpool City Council Cllr Liam Robinson.’

This is always a day when the club, the city and the football world reflects on events that led to loss of 97 lives in 1989 – whilst the search for justice continues after all this time.

The thoughts of everyone at Empire of the Kop are with those who lost their lives that day, their families, the survivors and every affected by this disastrous event in football history.

You can view the images of the club representatives at Anfield via liverpoolfc.com:

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Jurgen Klopp knows that the countdown to his time at the club is very much underway and his matches at Anfield are numbered.

Asked whether he’s having to ‘cherish’ every moment before he leaves, the 56-year-old said: “I’m manager of this football club with all I have and no, so far I never had that [thought] for a second.

READ MORE: (Video) Klopp responds to Guardiola’s comments on Liverpool being ‘favourites’ for PL title

“There are moments before the game but they were always emotional, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ is special to me and will always be and that depends on the people how they sing and who they are, which form they are in.

“So, if they do put their all in then it’s pretty special but how I said, I’m not looking forward to the Wolves game in that sense that I think, ‘oh, that will be great’ and so I hope it’s an important game and if we win it we could do something or win something but obviously after the game that will be different”

READ MORE: (Video) Virgil Van Dijk: Jurgen Klopp ‘made my dreams come true’

After having the same anthem at Mainz and Borussia Dortmund, it’s no surprise that our song is always going to be special for the boss.

The immense sadness we will all feel on the manager’s last game is hard to even contemplate and let’s just hope we have a few trophies in-hand when he does so.

You can watch Klopp’s comments (from 7:37) via TNT Sports on YouTube:

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Jurgen Klopp met with Sean Cox and his family in a poignant reunion at Anfield on Sunday after Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Brighton.

The Irish LFC supporter was critically injured in an unprovoked attack prior to the Champions League semi-final first leg against Roma six years ago and suffered life-changing injuries after that assault.

He and his family were invited to meet with the Reds manager yesterday, and their latest encounter carried an extra poignance as it’s likely to be the last time they come together in person before the 56-year-old departs Merseyside at the end of the season.

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It’s fair to say that Liverpool fans at Anfield were far from pleased with one man in particular during the first half against Brighton this afternoon.

The teams were level at 1-1 going in at half-time, and while neither goal was controversial, a series of soft free kicks given against the home team had almost 60,000 Reds inside the stadium fuming at David Coote.

In the Liverpool Echo’s live matchday blog (14:53), it was noted that there were ‘huge boos’ for the official as the teams made their way off at half-time, with Ian Doyle adding: “It must be said the referee, though, is having an absolute shocker. [Jurgen] Klopp certainly won’t miss David Coote when he leaves Liverpool at the end of the season.”

READ MORE: (Video) Luis Diaz shows expert goal-poaching instincts to draw Liverpool level v Brighton

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Liverpool fans won’t be surprised in the least to see the free kick count at half-time – 11 to Brighton, just four for the Reds (Sofascore), with the visitors getting a series of charitable fouls given in their favour.

Coote also saw fit to show Alexis Mac Allister a yellow card for a foul on Simon Adingra which was soft, to put it mildly, and there was also a penalty shout when Pervis Estupinan impeded Darwin Nunez in the box in the opening minutes at Anfield.

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Referees will always give debatable free kicks over the course of a match, but there was definitely a disproportionately high number of decisions called against the Reds which ranged from harsh to downright inexplicable.

As Doyle said during his half-time analysis, Klopp certainly won’t be sorry to see the back of some officials in the Premier League.

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Alan Shearer has cited one thing that he ‘always enjoyed’ about Anfield which differentiated it from other venues where he was representing the away team.

The Newcastle legend fielded a series of readers’ questions for a Q&A with The Athletic on Wednesday when he was asked what was the best stadium in which he’d played in terms of atmosphere.

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He unsurprisingly namechecked St James’ Park and Wembley but also gave a special mention to Liverpool’s iconic home, saying: “At club level, I always enjoyed the atmosphere at Anfield because of the certain respect you get there, which perhaps you may not get at other big clubs.

“This wasn’t during my playing days but I will never, ever forget the atmosphere for Liverpool vs Barcelona in the semi-final of the Champions League in 2019, when I did the co-commentary, when they came from 3-0 behind on aggregate to win 4-3. Electric.”

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The unique atmosphere that Anfield generates has been well documented, with Champions League-winning managers in Alex Ferguson, Carlo Ancelotti, Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho all speaking about the venue in reverential tones.

However, it’s interesting to hear Shearer speak of how he was shown respect as an opposition player at Liverpool’s home ground that he wouldn’t get at other illustrious stadia around England, and that’s something of which Reds fans can feel proud.

The Kop may banter visiting players and teams on occasion, but you certainly don’t hear the away side being taunted at Anfield anywhere near as often as at other grounds, as LFC can testify with reference to some gruesome chants and actions.

Liverpool fans memorably showed their support for Cristiano Ronaldo two years ago when applauding during the seventh minute of a 4-0 win over Manchester United in solidarity with the Portuguese superstar after the death of his newborn son.

Even as a player or manager with the away team at Anfield, you’ll be given respect so long as you steer clear of any provocative antics, and that’s the way it should be.

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Sven-Goran Eriksson was granted his lifelong dream of managing Liverpool in the Legends match at Anfield on Saturday, and it was a hugely emotional day for the 76-year-old.

After the former England coach revealed in January that he had ‘at best’ a year to live upon being diagnosed with terminal cancer, there was a huge clamour for him to be invited to take charge of the Reds for the annual charity fixture, and the club duly took the public opinion on board.

As ever at the L4 venue, the teams were met with a booming rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone as they lined up on the pitch prior to kick-off, and the passion with which it was sung clearly got to Eriksson, who struggled to hold back tears during the anthem, as seen in the latest edition of LFC’s Inside Anfield series.

The 76-year-old had the pleasure of seeing Liverpool come from behind to defeat their Ajax counterparts 4-2, and it was truly wonderful to see him being so warmly received and supported by everyone in attendance on Saturday.

You can view the clip of Eriksson during YNWA below (from 10:15), via Liverpool FC on YouTube:

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Sven-Goran Eriksson was straining to keep his emotions in check as he joined in a post-match lap of honour following Liverpool Legends’ 4-2 win over their Ajax counterparts at Anfield this afternoon.

The 76-year-old, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer in January, was given the opportunity to fulfil his lifelong dream of managing the Reds as he took charge of the LFC side for today’s match.

He lapped up the appreciation of the Merseyside faithful before kick-off, and those in attendance showed their feelings towards the Swede after the full-time whistle as well.

Eriksson clearly looked emotional as he took in the applause of the Liverpool supporters, graciously reciprocating their kindness by applauding them and giving an appreciative wave.

Even aside from a thoroughly entertaining match, it was a fantastic day for all concerned at Anfield. Well done to the club for giving the 76-year-old the chance to live out his long-held dream; it was very clear from today’s scenes how much it meant to him.

You can view the clip of Eriksson post-match below, via @LFC on X:

Thank you for all your incredible support today for the @LFCFoundation

Another special day at Anfield for a great cause.

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 23, 2024

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Steven Gerrard returned to Anfield for the Liverpool Legends match this afternoon, and he gave some Reds supporters a memento or two to cherish prior to kick-off.

The 43-year-old gave his time to a group of fans gathered near the dugouts, stopping to sign a few autographs and pose for photographs with those fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time.

It’s now been almost nine years since our legendary former captain last played for the club, but clearly he’s still very much a man in demand when it comes to an opportunity for a pre-match memento.

It’s wonderful to see Gerrard being so giving of his time, enabling those supporters to come away from Anfield later with a memory to savour.

You can view the video of Eriksson and Barnes below, via @empireofthekop on X:

Stevie with the fans before kick off #LFC pic.twitter.com/4h65SxvaFG

— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) March 23, 2024

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Sven-Goran Eriksson was afforded a hero’s welcome when he set foot on the Anfield pitch before today’s Liverpool Legends match against Ajax, and the adulation continued alongside an all-time Reds great.

The Swede takes charge of the LFC squad this afternoon, with John Barnes among those on the management team, and they were both given a rousing reception when making their way back to the dressing rooms.

The duo applauded and waved to the fans in appreciation as they walked towards the tunnel, with both wearing broad smiles as they did so.

It was wonderful to see Eriksson being so warmly welcomed at Anfield, and to witness him taking in his surroundings alongside the legendary ‘Digger’.

You can view the video of Eriksson and Barnes below, via @empireofthekop on X:

Sven and John Barnes #LFC pic.twitter.com/sPSqGTeMYE

— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) March 23, 2024

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Sven-Goran Eriksson was given the honour of being manager of Liverpool’s legends for the day and the reception he received when he first arrived on the pitch was special.

Although far from full, the supporters inside Anfield ahead of kick-off rose to their feet to give the Swede a warm Merseyside welcome.

READ MORE: (Video) Exclusive: Ex-Red on who will replace Klopp as Liverpool manager: ‘It’s a big question’

It’s great to see how happy both manager and fans are with the occasion and it’s set to be a day that everyone will remember for a long time.

It’s amazing how football can come together for moments like this and we can all agree that the 76-year-old deserves this occasion.

You can view the video of Eriksson at Anfield via @empireofthekop on X:

Sven's first steps on the Anfield pitch this afternoon #LFC pic.twitter.com/9bPfjTpR5E

— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) March 23, 2024

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Cesc Fabregas has won the World Cup and two European Championships with Spain, but even he’s proclaimed that the experience of coming up against Liverpool at Anfield made him ‘feel complete as a player’.

The former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder, who’s now an assistant coach at Como in Serie B, was speaking on the Planet Premier League podcast for BBC 5 Live Sport when he recounted his experiences of playing at the Reds’ iconic stadium, something he did 13 times in his career (Transfermarkt).

The 36-year-old said: “The atmosphere is unbelievable. It’s one of those games that you just look up to because it makes you feel complete as a player. It’s like there’s nothing better that you can do than playing at Anfield against Liverpool, especially when they’re at their peak.

“I’ve experienced a bit of everything in there. I’ve won comfortably, I’ve lost 4-0 [It was actually 4-1 in March 2007] once. In the Champions League one day we made a great comeback and then all of a sudden, from being in the semi-final of the Champions League, two or three minutes later you are out.

“There’s been a bit of everything in my time. The last 15 years there, I loved every bit. I cannot say you always love it when you lose, but the experiences I’ve had in there, the lows and the highs, have been very good for me to learn for the future.”

Some away fans may liken Anfield to a library in a lazy chant lacking any originality, and there’ll always be social media naysayers who put forward the agenda that the atmosphere at Liverpool’s home is a myth.

However, we might just give more credence to a player in Fabregas who’s won literally the biggest prize in world football and represented the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona in his career.

L4 has been particularly rocking in recent weeks, including Manchester City’s visit last Sunday, and the aura will only increase along with the volume now that the stadium can accommodate 61,000 fans.

You can view Fabregas’ comments below, via @5liveSport on X (formerly Twitter):

"It makes you feel complete as a player"

Cesc Fabregas says the atmosphere at Anfield is 'unbelievable'

Listen to Planet Premier League wherever you get your podcasts or if you’re in the UK, listen with BBC Sounds #lfc #liverpool #bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/KBJwo1JXG9

— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) March 11, 2024

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We all know the difference that the Anfield crowd can make and that was clear against Manchester City, although Pep Guardiola thinks the same about his fans.

Speaking after the game, the Spaniard said: “I know how difficult Anfield is. But the Etihad is difficult too. Liverpool never won there. People talk about here ‘Anfield, Anfield!’ we won here.

“Never in eight years did they win there. We prove, both sides we are incredible competitors… I’d prefer a win but they have proved for many years the quality they have.”

READ MORE: (Video) “He’ll be back”: Guardiola comments on Klopp’s Anfield future

The 53-year-old seems to be forgetting when Liverpool beat his team 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium in 2018, to make it 5-1 on aggregate as we knocked them out of the Champions League.

If you’re going to state some stats at us, at least make sure they’re correct!

You can watch Guardiola’s comments on Anfield (from 3:16) via Sky Sports Premier League on YouTube:

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Liverpool fans probably wouldn’t consider Jermaine Jenas to be overly complimentary about our club and his comments on Anfield are sure to surprise a few.

Speaking about his time at Newcastle on ‘That Peter Crouch Podcast’, the ex-midfielder said to Peter Crouch:

“You’ve been at Anfield and you’ve been very fortunate to be at one of the places that I consider like the holy grail and almost like a Mecca of football but St James’ Park is not far behind.”

READ MORE: (Video) Klopp hails ‘massive’ academy graduate; could play against Man City

It shows a clear appreciation for our supporters from the Nottingham-born pundit and it’s certainly not a comment that we would disagree with.

Let’s hope that we can live up to this reputation in our next game at home, which just so happens to be a huge one against Manchester City.

You can watch Jenas’ comments on Anfield (from 25:52) via That Peter Crouch Podcast on YouTube:

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Jurgen Klopp jokingly asked the rhetorical question as to whether he could air his opinions on Anfield, for fear that some people may be ‘offended’.

The manager held his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon ahead of Liverpool’s showdown at home to Manchester City in a clash of the Premier League’s current top two.

It’ll be the first time that the teams have met since the redeveloped Anfield Road Stand opened fully, raising the stadium’s capacity to 61,000, and a raucous afternoon is in store on Sunday.

Klopp told reporters today that the atmosphere generated by such occasions can be a ‘massive’ asset to his side, although he could almost sense the barbs coming from rival supporters if he were to air his views about LFC’s iconic home.

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The German said (via Liverpool Echo): “The atmosphere our people can create, am I allowed to say it’s second to none or are people offended by that? It’s good, massive, energising. These are games you want to play, to watch. Anfield for us is a massive, massive factor. The people will [help us].”

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Klopp’s comments today represent quite the volte-face from December, when he questioned the atmosphere at Anfield after Liverpool beat West Ham 5-1 in the Carabao Cup.

However, in every home game since he announced six weeks ago that he’d be stepping down at the end of the season, the stadium has been rocking, something that the manager publicly acknowledged following the recent come-from-behind win over Luton.

The 56-year-old has been at the club long enough to know just how special a venue it can be for the biggest occasions, and a top-of-the-table showdown against Man City certainly falls into that category.

It’s no coincidence that Pep Guardiola’s only win at Anfield came in February 2021 when fans couldn’t attend matches during the global pandemic, and even a team which has won so much usually seem spooked when they rock up at Liverpool’s world-famous home.

There’ll be inevitable naysayers shooting down Klopp’s opinions on this temple of football, but if they’re ‘offended’ – to use the manager’s words – then that’s their problem. Say it loud and say it proud, Jurgen!

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