Ticket price protests draw political attention in England

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The issue of ticket prices in England exploded into even greater prominence over the last week, after fans at Anfield staged a massive walkout during Liverpool's match against Sunderland on Saturday. The story has since gotten so big and so contentious that even English Prime Minister David Cameron has promised to "look very carefully" at the situation.

"I think there is a problem here when some clubs put up prices very rapidly every year," Cameron said at a Prime Minister's Questions event on Wednesday after being asked about the issue by a member of Parliament. "[They go up] even though so much of the money for football actually comes from sponsorship, equipment, and other sources, so I'll look very carefully at [this issue]."

Of course, it's not just general ticket price hikes that anger fans -- ticket prices for away fans have long been a bone of contention as well. Fans of bigger clubs often are charged massive extra fees when they want to go to away games because of that loyalty, and there's now a proposal being made by the Football Supporter's Federation that would put a £30 cap on the price of those tickets.

Protest of the day

England isn't the only place seeing ticket price protests, as Borussia Dortmund protested away prices at Stuttgart by hurling dozens and dozens of tennis balls at the pitch.

In the news

Juventus manager Max Allegri says that there is "no truth" to reports and rumors that he's agreed to manage Chelsea next season. (Football Italia)

Adam Johnson has plead guilty to one of three charges of sexual activity with a minor. (Guardian)

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois says that Chelsea "must reach" a cup final in order to salvage their season. (BBC)

David Beckham is apparently considering selling his shares in a proposed MLS franchise in Miami in order to help further fund the club.

Barcelona's squad will be filled out by six youngsters from their academy for their fairly meaningless Copa del Rey match against Valencia. (MARCA)

You should be reading

Nick Miller tries to figure out why Derby County dumped their promising and successful young manager after just seven months. (Guardian)

Charlie Eccleshare cannot figure out why Manchester United would even consider hiring José Mourinho. (Telegraph)

Dan Kilpatrick knows that Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino will have plenty of suitors this summer, but thinks he should stay put. (ESPN FC)

What to watch on Wednesday (click for listings, all times ET)

DFB-Pokal: Two matches (1 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.) -- Bayern Munich and Hertha BSC have what should be fairly straightforward matches to advance to the semifinals of the German Cup.

FA Cup: Peterborough vs. West Bromwich Albion (2:45 p.m.): It might not be the most exciting-looking matchup in FA Cup history, but you should still watch it because of Peterborough.

Copa del Rey: Valencia vs. Barcelona (3 p.m.): This semifinal tie is already over since Barcelona won the first leg 7-0, but they still have to play the second game.

Copa Libertadores: Two matches (6:45 p.m. & 7:45 p.m.): Brazilian giants São Paulo and Mexican power Puebla are both in action in the first playoff round.

Olympic Qualifying: Two matches (6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.): The women's teams in CONCACAF get their Olympics qualifying runs underway with Mexico going to Puerto Rico, then the USWNT hosting Costa Rica in the nightcap.

International Friendly: Mexico vs. Senegal (8:30 p.m.): Most of their stars are still with their clubs, but some of Mexico's younger and domestically based talent will get to prove their worth tonight.