By David Lynch, Merseyside Correspondent

15th Mar, 2023 | 1:02am

Sources: FSG set for new Liverpool fans backlash as stadium rebuild news revealed

Liverpool are expected to fall short of general admission ticketing projections set out for the expanded Anfield Road end, sources have told Football Insider.

It is understood that the Reds will dedicate a larger proportion of tickets to hospitality seating than originally suggested for the rebuilt stand, which will add 7,000 seats to overall capacity once completed this summer.

Plans published on the club’s official website prior to construction commencing stated that the additional seats were to be made up of “around 5,200 general admission seats and around 1,800 seats with sports bar lounge/hospitality facilities”.

However, it is thought the true figures will offer up fewer general admission seats, allowing for hospitality areas to take up a higher share of tickets.

The official numbers remain subject to approval by licensing authorities but sources have told Football Insider that, as of December, Liverpool were aiming for around 4,700 general admission seats, with roughly 2,000 reserved for hospitality.

This latest news is likely to result in a new backlash from Liverpool supporters – as it would result in fewer affordable tickets than first hoped being created by the new stand at a time when the club are already raising prices for the first time in nine years.

It was announced on Tuesday that matchday tickets are set to go up by two per cent for the 2022-23 season, resulting in a £17 hike to season ticket prices and £1 per game for members.

Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group have blamed that increase on rising costs, including a 40 per cent uptick in Anfield’s annual operating costs over the last five years.

But the decision has been criticised by the club’s Supporters Board, who voiced their firm opposition when originally consulted over the matter.

A statement read: “To implement any price increase during this cost of living crisis is cruel, unjust, unreasonable and unfair.

“These increases also come at a time when LFC is reporting record revenues, increased sponsorship income and significant increases from success on the pitch.

“Support for your football team stems from loyalty and that loyalty is two way. Fans cannot switch allegiance from one club to another yet it is their pockets which are being hit.

“The SB proposed many alternatives to wholesale price increases such as better facilities on the stadium concourses to encourage more fans to arrive early and keeping them open for a time after the match has finished, so those who can afford to spend can do so. Another was sponsorship deals and stand naming rights to generate extra returns. These potentially would have yielded more than the £500k from the 2% price increases will generate.

“It is unfortunate and disappointing that they have chosen not to fully listen to the voice of the fans and recognise that football fans are not the cash cow to their balance sheet.

“We do expect the members of our respective groups will be angry and disappointed and anticipate the fullest possible opposition to these increases.”

Meanwhile, three Liverpool stars ruled out of Real Madrid clash as new injury revealed.