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From the outside looking in, Liverpool supporters could be excused in thinking it has been Amateur Hour at their beloved football club this summer.
First, there was the “tapping up” scandal that prevented the signing of much-needed centerback Virgil van Dijk from Southampton. This, of course, only highlighted the glacial pace of transfer movement in the market so far. And because one tapping up scandal isn’t enough, the club will now be taken to court over misdeeds surrounding a youth player.
Fans could be forgiven for trying to ignore the negatives, focusing instead on the positives, such as buying tickets and planning for the upcoming season. Oh. About that.
Yesterday was the members’ sale for some of the most loyal fans—those who attended 13 games or more from last season. Although member ticket sales can be frustrating at the best of times, yesterday went especially bad. The website crashed, and the delays kicked supporters either to the back of the line, or off the site altogether. In response, the club offered the following apology.
“This morning we had our Official Members’ sale to Members who qualify with 13 or more games from the 2016/17 Season.
“We experienced a number of technical issues that whilst now resolved, were wholly unacceptable.
“The Club will now be looking to accelerate an already planned system review.”
“We would like to apologise for any inconvenience and assure supporters that we share the frustration and will be looking to find solutions that satisfy both the Club requirements and more importantly those of our loyal supporters.”
“This wasn’t the first time that this has happened and it isn’t good enough.
“We think there has to be a simpler way to do this and that is what we will be having an open and honest dialogue with the club about.”
Liverpool, under the leadership of Fenway Sports Group, has certainly improved its standing as a club—both on and off the pitch. But this summer—a pivotal one ahead of a campaign where the club will attempt to regain its regular Champions League credentials—has been a difficult one so far for a variety of reasons.
Hopefully the club will act quickly to rectify the situation for the fans who were most effected by this latest mess. And you know, maybe some other good news. That would be nice.