Liverpool Fans Plan Further Ticket Protests in Manchester City, Chelsea Matches

Liverpool fans made a big statement by walking out of Anfield in the 77th minute of the Reds' Premier League match against Sunderland, and according to Jay McKenna of the Spirit of Shankly, the club can expect more protests over the new ticket prices.

Speaking to Press Association Sport (h/t ESPN FC), McKenna highlighted upcoming matches against Manchester City and Chelsea as prime opportunities:

"

We have got Manchester City and Chelsea at Anfield so those two league matches―where prices are still going to be on the forefront of people's minds―will be opportunities where we will discuss what action we take next.

For us, it is unequivocal: this is the start. A walkout of Anfield it is unprecedented―it has never happened before―and I can't think of an occasion where it has happened in such numbers in another league ground in the UK.

"

Liverpool owners, Fenway Sports Group, were said to be "startled" by the fans' reaction to increased ticket prices and will hold further meetings to assess the situation following weekend discussions in the immediate aftermath, per Dominic King in the Daily Mail.

The Reds released their new ticket prices for the 2016-17 campaign earlier this month, and those prices haven't gone over well with a large portion of the fans. A seat in the reconstructed Main Stand will cost as much as £77, up from £59, while season tickets have passed the £1,000 mark for the first time in the club's history, per the Press Association report.

Fans voiced their displeasure with the new measures ahead of the match against Sunderland, but it was the walk-out that made the biggest impact. Per Tony Barrett of the Times, it wasn't just a handful of angry supporters who left their seats:

"We need to find a solution. We don't want that people leave the stadium before the game is finished," said Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, per Barrett.

Even former Liverpool greats like Jamie Carragher joined in, per the Liverpool Echo's Sean Bradbury (via Liverpool FC News):

Incredibly enough, the Reds, who were up by two at the time, conceded two goals after the 77th minute and played out a 2-2 draw against Sunderland.

Per ESPN FC, Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre urged the fans to look at the whole package the club is offering, as he believes there are plenty of tickets available at lower prices. He said the fans may not understand the new measures and initially gave no indication the Reds plan on lowering prices.

That explains the fans' decision to continue protesting, but it remains to be seen whether it will yield any results. Walking out of a match is a big statement, but as long as the supporters continue to attend matches―and buy tickets―in the first place, Liverpool are unlikely to make any changes. 

Follow @ReverschPass