Liverpool travel to face AC Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday, but there is a possibility that the game could be played in front of thousands of empty seats. The Reds kickstart their league phase campaign with a trip to San Siro – a ground they haven’t lost at since 1965.
Arne Slot’s side have made a perfect start to their Premier League season, having won each of their opening three matches. The Reds are also yet to concede a single goal and return to action after the international break when they entertain Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Saturday.
It has been a complete contrast for Milan, however. The decision to appoint Paulo Fonseca as head coach frustrated a large portion of supporters and results since then have not been the greatest, with Milan failing to win any of their first three games. They have picked up just two points from a possible nine.
And that discontent has spread into its ticket sales for the home game against Liverpool. Although over 70,000 fans are expected to attend the Serie A clash with Venezia on Saturday night, there are a staggering 19,000 unsold tickets for the visit of Slot’s Reds, according to Tuttosport, via Radio Rossonera. The San Siro can house 75,923 spectators, but currently they do not look close to achieving that figure for the Reds’ visit.
It’s said that there are a couple of major factors that have influenced the slow sales. SempreMilan reports that there is a real lack of enthusiasm for the season, stemming from the appointment of Fonseca to the start of the season. Milan were held to a 2-2 draw against Torino in their first Serie A game before losing at Parma and drawing at Lazio. They have scored five goals in those matches, albeit conceding another six.
Prices for the game against Liverpool are also much higher. The remaining tickets for the match – not including hospitality seats – range from €349 (£294) to €59 (£49). In comparison, Liverpool’s most expensive regular adult seat in the Champions League this season is £61.
The high price of tickets, along with the lack of excitement caused by the disappointing start in Serie A, have contributed to the choice for fans to avoid attending against Liverpool. Yes, there are a number of fans that wait until the last minute to decide whether to go, but it’s not looking good right now.
