Why are the queues to enter Anfield growing?

Liverpool insist added security checks, including "100 per cent searches" at Anfield, have been put in place to bring the club in line with measures used at other Premier League venues.

The change was made last month with every supporter at Anfield now being searched by stewards before gaining entry into the stadium.

As a result, the time taken to enter the ground has increased for many and fans have taken to social media in recent weeks to complain at time consuming lines, with some missing Hugo Ektitike's goal after just 46 seconds in Saturday's win over Brighton.

Supporter Chris Wellman on X said: "Hundreds of us missed the first Ekitike goal. Queues snaking around here and there. People don't know where to queue. Not enough stewards using the scanners to make it faster. Those with bags taking an age to check. Main Stand turnstiles today were a mare!"

Fan Peter Connolly wrote: "I was 10 minutes late getting to the ground but got in 30 minutes later than usual at turnstile T and didn't get to my seat until four minutes had gone."

Neil Atkinson of The Anfield Wrap, posted on 3 December before Liverpool faced Sunderland: "Queues ridiculous outside the ground again."

Fan Paul Senior, who also contributes to The Anfield Wrap, posted: "The only time I feel unsafe at Anfield is in them queues. They're there to prevent a terror incident and you're congregating hundreds/thousands of people outside. Backwards."

What are Liverpool saying about the queues?

The added measures have not been put in place because of any individual incident and Liverpool say that they align with security approaches at other major events.

On emails to ticket holders, the club has asked fans to arrive 10 minutes earlier than usual. More resources have also been allocated at turnstiles.

In November, the club explained the changes to fans, stating: "Fans are advised to arrive early at Anfield, with turnstiles opening two hours before kick-off for general admission and three hours before for hospitality, allowing enough time for the necessary checks before entry.

"More resources have been allocated at turnstiles to ensure this important safety and security update will have minimal impact on fans' overall match experience."

Given the complaints, the process is still unsettling some fans and remains relatively new for stewards and staff to oversee.

BBC Sport have approached Liverpool FC to see if the club are looking into ways of making the process more efficient.

This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team.

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