Liverpool fans are set to stage a yellow card protest during Saturday's match against Crystal Palace to send a strong message to the club's owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG). The demonstration is a direct response to the decision to raise general admission ticket prices at Anfield for the next three consecutive seasons.
Why Are Liverpool Fans Protesting?
The yellow card demonstration is a direct response to FSG's decision to increase general admission ticket prices at Anfield for the next three consecutive seasons. Fans are being urged to 'show FSG and John W. Henry the yellow card,' serving as a formal warning that the ownership's recent financial decisions are unacceptable to the match-going fanbase.
What Is the Protest?
Supporter groups have coordinated the printing and distribution of approximately 75,000 yellow cards to be handed out to fans around the stadium before kick-off. Supporters are asked to hold the cards aloft specifically in the 13th minute of the match.
Why the 13th Minute?
The 13th-minute mark was chosen to represent the potential 13 per cent total increase in ticket prices that fans could face over the planned three-year period. The action is a collaborative effort between major fan organisations, including Spirit of Shankly, Spion Kop 1906, Kop Outs, cultuRED and the LFC Women's Supporters Club.
When Is the Protest?
The yellow card protest is set to take place during Liverpool's match against Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon. Kick-off is scheduled for 3pm, with the movement beginning around 3.13pm.
Other Protests in Place
This move follows previous protests, including a ban against stadium concourse spending during the Champions League match against PSG. A van supporting the campaign was also parked at Liverpool's AXA Training Centre on Friday and in other locations around Liverpool.
What Are Fans Demanding?
Fans argue that 'locking in' price rises for three years removes the club's accountability and sets a 'dangerous precedent' that ignores the cost-of-living crisis and inflation's impact on local supporters. The overarching message to FSG is that the club’s future and its 'soul' depend on keeping football affordable for the local community, rather than prioritising revenue growth from ticket sales.
Is Anyone Tied to the Club Backing the Protest?
Yes, Reds legend Jamie Carragher has thrown his support behind the campaign, telling the Echo that the price rises are "absolute nonsense." He added: "But I don't understand the ticket price thing in terms of how much they are bringing in from sponsorship and the revenue from the Premier League and when you look at wage bills, Liverpool's is right up there with the best. And this idea that they need to up ticket prices to pay for these players, it's absolute nonsense."
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