Liverpool Fans Stage 77th-Minute Walkout in Protest Against Ticket Prices

Tom WebbFeb 6, 2016

Liverpool fans followed through with plans to stage a 77th-minute walkout in their Premier League clash with Sunderland at Anfield on Saturday to protest against the club's decision to raise ticket prices.

The day started with a sense of resistance across the ground:

"
Black flags adorn the Kop at Anfield, protest banners in other parts of the ground; mutiny in the air.
— Tony Barrett (@TonyBarretTimes) February 6, 2016"

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"
Black flags on kop pic.twitter.com/t5CvUutOTd
— Jeff Goulding (@ShanklysBoys1) February 6, 2016"

"
Football Without Fans Is Nothing on the Main Stand pic.twitter.com/edTyAgh06Q
— This Is Anfield (@thisisanfield) February 6, 2016"

A Liverpool fan holds a poster denouncing the the announcement of a rise in ticket prices during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Sunderland at Anfield in Liverpool, northwest England, on February 6, 2016. / AFP / LINDSEY PA

LINDSEY PARNABY/Getty Images

Liverpool fans hold a banner as they protest against the recently announced rise in ticket prices during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Sunderland at Anfield in Liverpool, northwest England, on February 6, 2016. / AFP / LI

LINDSEY PARNABY/Getty Images

Liverpool fought their way into a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana before the walkout kicked in on the promised mark:

"
Anfield is emptying out.
— Tony Barrett (@TonyBarretTimes) February 6, 2016"

"
Liverpool fans are queuing for the exits at Anfield. Not some isolated protest this one.
— Andy Hunter (@AHunterGuardian) February 6, 2016"

"
Min.77 reached at Anfield. 💰💷😡 https://t.co/pk2qVTTyLL pic.twitter.com/iS2dDMyvbH
— AS English (@English_AS) February 6, 2016"

"
The Liverpool walk outhttps://t.co/p4UL0X5GJm
— 101 Great Goals (@101greatgoals) February 6, 2016"

"
The scene outside Anfield now #lfc #walkouton77 pic.twitter.com/3MM2lSlQmf
— Kop Magazine (@TheKopMagazine) February 6, 2016"

"
I like this #LFC pic.twitter.com/TtDP4Ar8dE
— James Tyler (@JamesTylerESPN) February 6, 2016"

"
Pretty amazing watching Liverpool game on German Sky Sports. Cameras pan to walk-out of some fans chanting Enough is Enough in Tix protest.
— Alex Stone (@AlexStone7) February 6, 2016"

"
Sunderland fans applaud Liverpool fans as they head to the exits in protest in the 77th minute. #YNWA pic.twitter.com/TZkTU9UhuM
— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) February 6, 2016"

Even Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher joined in on the protest.

"
Jamie Carragher left his season ticket seat to join #WalkOutOn77 protest https://t.co/op6WoLB1oN pic.twitter.com/c6t3N7qnb3
— Liverpool FC News (@LivEchoLFC) February 6, 2016"

The sense of discord appeared to spread onto the pitch, as Liverpool squandered their two-goal lead to draw 2-2:

"
Would be a nice irony if they let a 2-0 lead slip with no fans in the ground. #lfc
— David Easson (@DavidEasson) February 6, 2016"

"
1) 69’—Liverpool 2-0 Sunderland
2) 90’—Liverpool 2-2 Sunderland pic.twitter.com/6luLHamUNP
— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) February 6, 2016"

"
Proof that teams need supporters more than a few extra quid #LFC
— Dexter J Marshall (@DJMarshall92) February 6, 2016"

"
Club is a joke in the boardroom and on the pitch.
— Anfield Online (@anfieldonline) February 6, 2016"

"
Bunch of cowards in the board room and on the pitch.
— Jack (@JackWatson_) February 6, 2016"

"
Nice show of solidarity by #LFC players, joining fan walkout there.
— Ben Rumsby (@ben_rumsby) February 6, 2016"

Another disappointing result for Liverpool, but the fans will be hoping their actions are at least noticed by those in charge of the club:

"
The sight of all those empty seats after 77 mins will surely prompt a high level discussion on providing more affordable ticket options
— amar singh (@amarjourno) February 6, 2016"

"
Great effort by Liverpool fans by walking out. Can only hope the owners realise the depth of feeling.
— John Cross (@johncrossmirror) February 6, 2016"

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