We don’t believe you are listening to Liverpool supporters right now regarding your decision to make the club the first to commit to a policy of locking in three years of general admission price rises.
That is deeply concerning for the future direction of this club and English football in general.
Over recent weeks, many of us have given our time to try and communicate what this decision means. Not just in financial terms, but in what it represents for the community this club comes from, and the culture and traditions that have defined it for generations.
Those concerns have been clearly expressed, firstly by representatives in meetings of the Supporters’ Board and subsequently by supporters inside and outside of Anfield.
And yet, those concerns have fallen on deaf ears. Worse, some club employees have attempted to dismiss them publicly and to the media as just 'some supporters'.
That makes this moment difficult to reconcile with the principles you have set out in the past.
In 2016, following the walkout over ticket prices, you told supporters:
“We have demonstrated a willingness to listen carefully, reconsider our position, and act decisively. The unique and sacred relationship between Liverpool Football Club and its supporters… represents the heartbeat of this extraordinary football club.”
When you first took ownership, you said:
“We’re going to do a lot of listening… and we’ll walk this path together.”
And as recently as last year, marking 15 years at the club, you said:
“This club is part of the fabric of the city… it connects generations and communities in a way that is truly special… it brings a responsibility we never take for granted.”
It is difficult to square those words with what is happening now.
Because this decision has not been taken with Liverpool supporters, it has been imposed despite them telling you how it will damage the support, the communities and the generations to come.
Supporters have been clear in their opposition to the introduction of multi-year price rises. Not simply because of the increase itself, but because of what it represents: the removal of meaningful annual dialogue, and a shift towards a model where prices are set for years in advance, regardless of supporter sentiment, and any financial realities they or the club may face.
These concerns are not those of a minority of fans, despite how it has been characterised.
Over the last two years, Liverpool supporters have been at the forefront of the Football Supporters’ Association’s nationwide “Stop Exploiting Loyalty” campaign. Spirit of Shankly, alongside supporter groups across the country, called for a two-year price freeze to allow for proper engagement on the future of ticketing.
In total, 115 supporter organisations and fan advisory boards came together to make that case.
Despite that, ticket prices have continued to rise across the Premier League with the majority of clubs increasing prices over the last two seasons.
Liverpool is not just another club in this conversation. When Liverpool acts, others follow.
We saw that used to damaging effect during the European Super League proposal. It showed the influence this club carries within the game.
That same influence can, and should, be used positively.
Senior management at the club indicated to the Supporters’ Board that Liverpool would advocate at Premier League level for an end to annual ticket price rises, a move that would have shown real leadership and offered meaningful protection to supporters across the game.
It is hard to square that position with being the first Premier League club to lock in multi-year price rises.
In doing so, Liverpool risks setting a precedent that promotes the very behaviour supporters have been campaigning against.
This is why this moment matters beyond Anfield.
You once questioned whether Liverpool, as a city, could afford Chelsea or Arsenal prices.
You concluded that it could not.
It is a question that feels relevant again now as what looks like a race to fill grounds with those who can pay more.
Decisions like this, particularly when set over multiple years, do not just affect affordability in the present. They shape who is able to attend matches in the future and in doing so, they shape what the club becomes. Supporter concern is that future generations - their children, grandchildren and beyond - will not be able to do what they have done before.
We recognise the success that has been delivered during your ownership, and the role you have played in that.
But that success does not remove responsibility for continuing to shape the heart and soul of Liverpool FC.
And it does not diminish the importance of listening, especially when the message from supporters has been so clear.
We are asking you to reflect on that.
To reconsider the direction being taken.
And to ensure that the values you have spoken about, community, responsibility, and the relationship between club and supporters, are not just words, but principles that continue to guide decisions.
Wherever you live, how ever often you attend matches at Anfield, the voices of supporters matters. We have shown that before and we will show it again. Add your name to this letter, and where you are from, and we will share with John Henry and the club so they know this is about all supporters and their real concerns about the impact of this decision. Complete on behalf of your children, and send to family, friends and fellow supporters.
