Reds fans are now following in the footsteps of other breakaway
teams like AFC Wimbledon and FC United and have applied to join the
Vodkat North West Counties League Division Two in time for the next
campaign.
But whereas Wimbledon and Manchester United fans started breakaway
teams as a protest against the plans of the owners, those behind
AFC Liverpool have stressed it is only about one thing: ticket
prices.
As such, those behind the new club are hoping that it can
flourish alongside Liverpool, offering young or less wealthy
supporters the chance to attend regular football matches, a concept
dying in today's multi-million pound Premier League industry.
"This has nothing to do with the ownership issue, it's about
affordability," AFC organiser Alun Parry told the Daily Telegraph.
"I've been going to Anfield since the late Seventies when I was six
years old. A season ticket in the Kop cost £45 in 1985, today it's
£650, which I know is a lot cheaper than some other Premier League
clubs, but in inflation terms Eighties prices should equate to £98
today.
"We aren't blaming the club," Parry continued. "We realise they
have no choice, but the sad fact is that a whole community is being
denied the opportunity to grow up in the 'match-going'
culture.
The average age of a Premier League supporter is now 43. At a
recent game I spotted only two children, so kids who can't afford
to go are forced to learn what it means to support a club from one
source - television. Far from wishing to be estranged from the
club, we are hoping that Liverpool will look upon us as a little
brother."