Football
Glenn Price, Liverpool correspondent 6y

Liverpool CEO pledges Champions League final help for supporters

Liverpool CEO Peter Moore has told the Liverpool Echo the club are working "exhaustively" to help fans attend the Champions League final against Real Madrid in Kiev, but stressed that some issues are out of their control.

Liverpool received an allocation of 16,626 tickets for the match on May 26, and supporters have had problems finding travel and accommodation at an affordable price.

Supporter group Spirit of Shankly (SOS) has called on the club to do more to help fans.

But Moore said: "As a club, we are acutely aware of the issues that our supporters are facing in terms of obtaining tickets, arranging travel, and organising accommodation for the forthcoming Champions League final.

"It is for that reason that we have worked exhaustively to try to alleviate some of these difficulties, whether that be by collaborating with partners, liaising with the relevant authorities in Kiev or by asking our own staff to go the extra mile -- something that they have done willingly and without hesitation.

"Some of the issues are, unfortunately, beyond our control. Logistically, the challenges of this event are there for all to see, and whichever clubs reached the final would have faced the same problems.

"As it is, we are doing our level best in exacting circumstances to make the best of the situation on behalf of supporters."

SOS met Liverpool on May 15 to discuss concerns ahead of the final.

The group's suggestion for the season ticket renewal date to be put back to help relieve the financial burden on fans was rejected, with Moore saying Liverpool have taken "measures to assist those season ticket holders who are struggling to meet the renewal deadline having bought tickets for the final."

An SOS statement said: "The club hierarchy talk about the 'LFC Family,' yet it does not feel that way for supporters.

"SOS have asked, and fans should feel, that the club will stand by them and act, not stand by and do nothing. Despite the efforts of some staff inside LFC, this is how it feels.

"We as fans have travelled across Europe supporting Liverpool all the way to Kiev. We have been ripped off along the way -- Porto and Roma ticket prices in particular -- and now we have the debacle of the final.

"LFC say much of it is beyond their control. Perhaps, but they should be standing up for us, calling out the wrongdoings and demanding change, leading the way.

"Supporters are often asked to understand or appreciate why certain decisions are made. To see it from the other side. It is time this was reciprocated and those in charge see it from our side.

"We know what it is to support unconditionally. We ask only to be appreciated and considered along the way. Those with decision-making power inside the club have a responsibility. They can and they should help."

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