From the Echo
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2008/08/12/kids-cry-foul-over-liverpool-fc-tickets-deal-100252-21515908/CHILDREN joined a protest outside Liverpool FC claiming the club was taking tickets away from young fans.
Members of the Spirit of Shankly Union (SOS) have hit out at the unveiling of Thomas Cook as the Reds’ official travel partner.
They are unhappy with a new initiative that offers supporters the opportunity to buy tickets for every Anfield Premiership game as part of a package with a hotel.
Depending on the opponents, customers can buy bronze, silver or gold deals, ranging from £96-£165.
But the SOS fans’ group believe the policy takes more tickets away from Liverpool’s loyal community fan base, and said the move was designed to appeal to the Reds’ “day-tripper” supporters.
Children gathered in the shadow of the stadium in Walton Breck Road in a staged display to show the increasing difficulty of buying match tickets.
Some opponents of the scheme say some of the hotels are not even in Merseyside, with some based in Manchester.
SOS spokesman Kevin Sampson told the ECHO: “With schemes like the Thomas Cook packages, it is taking more tickets away from local fans.
“Will the youngsters ever be able to see their children play at Anfield?
“The club should also make it a priority to make tickets available exclusively for under-16s – there used to be a boy’s pen at the ground.
“The tragedy is that all the boys can do now is try to get autographs of the players at Melwood.”
Today, Liverpool FC said they would soon publicly unveil Thomas Cook as their official travel partner.
A club spokesman stressed that the home game package deal was not reducing the overall ticket allocation for normal match fans.
He added: “Thomas Cook will soon be announced as a significant partner, which will work like major sponsorship.
“As part of that, they get a hold of tickets which they will utilise.”
Packages for the home games against Manchester United, Everton, Chelsea and Tottenham have already sold out, showing demand is fairly high.
luketraynor@liverpoolecho.co.uk
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This certainly doesn't help the cause giving tickets to travel agents , these kids are the future of the club, its bad enough that you cant get adult / child tickets on line so end up paying full price for the kids I fully support more tickets going to local under 16's at a sensible price