Why there will be NO flags in Liverpool’s legendary Kop for Atalanta tie

The iconic Kop end at Liverpool will undergo changes for tonight’s Europa League match against Atalanta. After a convincing 11-2 aggregate win over Sparta Prague, Liverpool returns to European action.

Jurgen Klopp’s team enters the quarter-final first-leg clash following a 2-2 draw against Manchester United in the Premier League.

The atmosphere inside Anfield is expected to be electric as Liverpool aims for Europa League glory. However, tonight’s match will have a notable difference from a typical home game: there will be NO flags in the Kop as a protest against rising ticket prices.

Liverpool recently announced a two per cent increase in the cost of season tickets and members’ tickets for the 2024/25 season, leading to widespread outrage.

The Spirit of Shankly, a supporters’ group, criticized the club’s decision, warning that loyal fans are feeling increasingly priced out of regular attendance.

Spion Kop 1906, the group responsible for organizing banners and flags in the Kop, has taken action by deciding not to display flags as a way to make a statement 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 surely be a solution to the situation at hand

“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.”