Liverpool supporters plan Anfield walkout against Sunderland in protest against raised ticket prices

Fans plan 77th-minute show of defiance at club's decision to raise entry prices for the 2016-17 season

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Liverpool fans are planning the first walkout protest at Anfield in the club’s history on Saturday in response to increased ticket prices for next season.

The Spion Kop group, supported by Spirit of Shankly, are urging fans to leave their seats in the 77th minute of the clash against Sunderland. The most expensive ticket in Anfield’s new Main Stand next season will be £77, increased from £59.

Liverpool supporters groups had been hoping to convince Liverpool to lower ticket prices in the face of increased television revenue but have been disappointed by the outcome, with the club setting its most expensive season ticket for next season at £1,029.

That has prompted anger among fans, with Spion Kop leading calls for a walkout on Saturday. A statement put out by the group on Twitter read: “Sunderland at home on Saturday, the first stage of many planned protests against the club in regards to the ticket prices at Anfield for the 2016/17 season.

“LFC think it’s acceptable to make more money than ever before from supporters. £2million more. That means price rises for many. £77 match tickets and £1,029 season tickets.

“Big increases for some, a few frozen and others get a tiny bit off. The club still make more.

"Don’t think it’s OK because yours is OK. Who will get the next increases do you think?

"Every week we get right behind the team. Now supporters need to get behind each other.

"Let’s make sure the owners know this is unacceptable.

"On 77 minutes, leave your seat and walk out. Tell your mates and family. Tell the people around you. Tell them why. Walk out on 77 minutes and show you care.

"Love the team – Hate the prices. #WalkOutOn77.”

Anfield has seen protests in the recent past, most notably against previous owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, but they have been in the form of demonstrations outside the ground. Anfield has never seen a protest where fans have walked out of a match.

Ian Ayre, Liverpool’s chief executive, said: “What is affordable to one person is different to another. With that in mind we tried to create a range of prices. We have listened to fans’ concerns and come up with some new initiatives, and we hope there is something for all.”