Liverpool FC has shut down 145,000 fake ticket accounts and handed out a record 1,114 lifetime bans last season as part of a major crackdown on ticket touting, following revelations of mass software manipulation to secure tickets.
Investigators also blocked 162 social media groups with over a million members, denied entry to 500 fans using burner phones, and carried out hundreds of targeted stops on matchdays.
The club, which imposed just 75 lifetime bans the previous season, says new security measures like multi-factor authentication and advanced fraud detection have bolstered enforcement.
While other clubs such as Arsenal and Chelsea are also increasing action, concerns remain that ticket touting is becoming endemic across English football, leaving genuine fans priced out or defrauded.
