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West Ham and Liverpool fans come together to protest over concessions and ticket prices

West Ham and Liverpool fans come together to protest over concessions and ticket prices at the Carabao Cup Third Round fixture.

The Hammers made decisions during the 2024-25 season, which included removing or altering concessionary ticket pricing for seniors, youth, and disabled fans for new season ticket holders.

This move effectively increased the cost of attendance for these groups significantly, causing huge backlash from the fanbase.

Supporters groups have organised protests, not just about the immediate price hikes but also to highlight a broader trend of increasing ticket prices across the Premier League, arguing it disregards the loyalty of long-term fans.

Prior to the game, fans from both clubs held a “Stop Exploiting Loyalty” banner, while black balloons were held/released in a planned demonstration at Anfield, showcasing solidarity in the fight against what they perceive as exploitative pricing strategies.

These protests tap into a larger conversation about football becoming less accessible to working-class fans due to rising costs, which includes not just matchday tickets but also travel, merchandise, and other related expenses.

There’s a sentiment that football clubs, especially those in the top flight, might be prioritising wealthier fans or tourists over local, traditional supporters.

The issue has garnered more and more attention online, with fans, journalists, and analysts discussing the implications of these pricing strategies on football culture.

There’s a divided opinion, with some supporting the clubs’ need to maximise revenue in a competitive market, while others empathise with fans feeling priced out of the sport they love.

This situation underscores ongoing tensions between football clubs’ commercial strategies and fan expectations, particularly around accessibility and loyalty

The actions by Liverpool and West Ham fans represent a broader movement within football fandom advocating for fairer pricing models that respect the community and historical fan base that these clubs are built upon.

The Hammers frustrated their supporters during the off-season by eliminating junior and OAP concessionary seats for new season ticket holders in the majority of the stadium.

This decision resulted in a significant increase in the cost for many of the youngest and oldest fans wishing to secure season tickets.

In the opening home matches of the 2024/25 season against Aston Villa and Man City, there were no individual concessionary match tickets available for general sale, and disabled supporters were made to pay the full price.

Additionally, standard season ticket prices were raised by 6-11%, despite inflation being recorded at only 2.2%.

This move aligned West Ham with 19 of the other 20 Premier League clubs in imposing financial burdens on their supporters, and as you can see, it’s led to unrest among fan groups across the league.

A Spirit of Shankly statement issued to The Athletic read: “We stand in solidarity with Hammers United in the fight for fair ticket prices.

“There’s a troubling trend in Premier League dubs – an apparent collective pushback on concessions and rising ticket prices — like the actions of a cartel, disregarding the loyalty of fans, particularly senior, youth and disabled supporters.

“It’s vital that fans from all clubs come together to resist this direction and ensure loyalty is not further exploited. Football belongs to the people and supporters deserve fairness and respect.”

Spirit of Shankly chair Paul Khan: “It’s vital that fans from all clubs come together and ensure loyalty is not further exploited. Football belongs to the people and supporters deserve fairness and respect. We stand in solidarity with Hammers United and Old School Hammers in the fight for fair ticket prices.”

Paul Colborne, chair of Hammers United, said: “We’re really grateful to Liverpool fans. As supporters, we’ve always been the heartbeat of the game, yet our loyalty is being disregarded in favour of profit.”

“Fans—especially seniors, youths, and those with disabilities—are being priced out of the stadiums they’ve called home for years. This is more than a fight for fair ticket prices; it’s about preserving the soul of football,” added Colborne.

Hammers United’s Save Our Concessions campaign has nearly 20,000 signatories and has been backed by MPs.

We’ve also recently seen a Spurs the Save Our Seniors campaign set up to against the club’s slashing of concessions.

Meanwhile, an 18-year-old sat in certain areas of the City Ground at Forest could see their ticket jump from around £190 to £850.

Twitter users gave their reaction as West Ham and Liverpool fans come together to protest over concessions and ticket prices…

@SndorKovcs11: Good, all fans need to be united for the same cause. 🙌🏻

@wishart_keith: Brilliant. Love it

@SSBradMCFC_: fair play 👍

@GaryH_1878: I get what ye doin but last Saturday the club we’re offering tkts ranging from £390 to £960 against Bournemouth absolute madness

@TheFanzine1: Well done to all involved

@ManCityTalk98: This should be all fans together

@CommitteeFCUM: Good to see. Football fans staying “loyal” to their club for life is seen as commendable, despite often lifelong relentless exploitation by owners past and present. It’s time this culture changed

@Geraintccfc: Not a fan of either club but working class getting priced out of football disgusting!

@CS__UTV: 👏. Need to see more of this. I wouldn’t be surprised if Heck tries to get rid of our concessions.

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