Liverpool supporters' trust Spirit of Shankly issues request to club for board representation

Liverpool have opened discussions with the club's supporters following the intense backlash to their plans to join a breakaway European Super League; Spirit of Shankly (SOS) says it has held "positive" talks with club officials and issues four-point request for board representation

Image: Representatives from Liverpool supporters' union, Spirit of Shankly, attended a meeting with club officials on Tuesday

Spirit of Shankly (SOS) says it has held "positive" talks with Liverpool chief executive Billy Hogan as it seeks fan representation on the club's board of directors.

Four members of the Liverpool supporters' union were invited to attend a meeting with Hogan and other officials on Tuesday as the club aims to make amends following principal owner John W Henry's involvement in the now-failed European Super League.

The Reds' owners Fenway Sports Group were among the main drivers of the project which collapsed within 48 hours of plans being launched after outcry from all corners of the game, with fans protesting outside Premier League matches to voice their opposition.

Liverpool owner John W Henry apologises to the club's fans following their withdrawal from the European Super League. Twitter: @LFC

Manager Jurgen Klopp and his first-team players, as one, spoke out against the proposals and Henry accepted full blame for the error and apologised.

Protests at Anfield have not been as vociferous as some of those at other 'Big Six' grounds and SOS recently polled its members on what the next step should be.

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The vote overwhelmingly (89 per cent) supported SOS being represented at board level and working with the club on a reform agenda and this was communicated to the club by the group.

Following the meeting on Tuesday, Liverpool chief executive Hogan, who has acknowledged the need for "positive, meaningful change to occur", promised to discuss the supporters' wishes with the owners.

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Image: A banner placed outside Anfield in protest against Liverpool's involvement in the now-collapsed European Super League

    SOS made the following four requests to Liverpool during the meeting.

    1. "Two SOS representatives at LFC board level in relation to issues that impact fans and the Anfield community as a whole. This would involve a reconstitution of the LFC board that includes effective, elected and accountable fan representation, and not for members of the current LFC board to be that elected representative. This cannot be token representation, but one that has the 'golden share' or veto on the decision-making process. We believe this is desirable, practical and achievable both in the short and long term.
    2. "A formal agreement between LFC and Athletic Grounds Ltd and SOS in order to improve collaboration and supporter engagement and involvement, and to ensure this is sustainable for the future.
    3. "FSG and LFC collaborate with SOS to lead the reform agenda ahead of/in conjunction with the national fan-led review.
    4. "We also asked for a commitment from FSG that any costs incurred in relation to the creation of and withdrawal from the European Super League will be funded solely by the owners and not by the club. We note that the Kroenke family have already made this commitment to Arsenal FC fans."
    Stephen Warnock says Fenway Sports Group have made some mistakes but believes they are still the right owners for Liverpool

    In a statement, SOS added: "These motions were acknowledged and received by LFC. They have taken these away for discussion and will respond formally to SOS with a further local meeting expected in the coming days.

    "This initial consultation was positive, and both parties agreed there is a need for a new structure leading to meaningful and lasting supporter engagement."

    Chelsea to involve supporters in board meetings

    On Tuesday, Chelsea announced they have decided to include fans in board meetings from July 1 to ensure "supporter sentiment" is considered in decision-making.

    Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and the board "deeply regret" their decision to join the breakaway competition, according to a club statement, and are now taking the steps to make it up to the fans.

    Three "supporter advisors" will be elected to represent fans on the board, with Chelsea now set to begin consultation with supporter groups to determine the selection process.

    Chelsea say the successful candidates, who will attend four board meetings each year, will not be given any voting rights but will be present to offer advice on a "broad range of matters".

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