Virgil van Dijk backs Liverpool fans in protest against ticket prices

Virgil van Dijk believes Liverpool fans have the right to protest against ticket price rises and urged the club to find a solution to a problem which he believes is benefiting no one.

Liverpool recently announced price rises for the next three years, with fans responding with a banner in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Fulham objecting to them and by removing their usual flags from the Kop.

Captain Van Dijk is concerned that it could harm the team but said he understood the supporters’ reaction.

“I think the fans are the heart and soul of the club,” said the defender. “If they feel like this, then protest is their fair right. Hopefully they come to a solution with the club. These things are far above my position as captain of the club.

“But my opinion is that our fans are the club. They always have been – before my time and after my time. It’s important that these things get solved because it benefits no one."

Van Dijk also thinks teenager Rio Ngumoha would take it in his stride if he is selected to start against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.

Rio Ngumoha drew praise after scoring against Fulham (AFP/Getty)

And Virgil van Dijk believes Ngumoha would thrive if chosen to start against PSG (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

The winger became the youngest player to score for Liverpool in the Premier League when he struck against Fulham.

And Van Dijk added: “He’s taken the record from Raheem [Sterling] which is very nice for him and should motivate and push him even more. You shouldn’t take things like that for granted and he won’t. He has to keep going.

“He’s a humble kid who works hard and listens. He wants to improve constantly. He has big dreams. It’s down to him and the people around him to make sure that he stays like that. I’m not worried that anything will change on that front.”

Ngumoha pressed his case to begin the Champions League quarter-final second leg against PSG and Van Dijk said: “He would take it in his stride. It’s down to the manager to decide the team and the game plan for Tuesday. Whether you start or not, everyone has to feel part of something special. That’s the thing we need to try and beat PSG.”