Liverpool fans plan walkout protest

Chelsea drops Falcao
Liverpool supporters’ groups are planning a walkout protest during tomorrow’s Premier League match at Anfield against Sunderland.

The Spion Kop 1906 group – backed by the Spirit of Shankly (SoS) – have suggested fans leave their seats in the 77th minute in protest at the £77 top-priced ticket in the new main stand.

The club have announced the increased price, up from £59, for next season.

An SoS statement expressed its anger at “no explanation” from the owners.

The statement added: “The outcome is extremely disappointing and a missed opportunity for Liverpool to lead in a fairer approach to ticket prices.

“We believe it is right and fair to lower ticket prices in order to sustain our support and subsequently the atmosphere inside Anfield.”

Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre highlighted the freeze or decrease in 64% of season ticket prices and 45% of matchday tickets.

Meanwhile, Radamel Falcao has been omitted from Chelsea’s 25-man squad for the Champions League knock-out stages.

The Colombia international, who has not played since October following a thigh injury, has been replaced in the squad by new loan signing Alexandre Pato.

The 29-year old has made just one Premier League start since signing on a season-long from Monaco last July.
Former AC Milan forward Pato, 26, signed for Chelsea last week on a six-month loan from Corinthians.

However, the Brazil international has not featured since November as he looks to regain full fitness following a series of injuries.

Chelsea interim boss Guus Hiddink has also included new signing Matt Miazga in both his Champions League and Premier League squad lists for the second half of the season.

The United States defender, 20, joined Chelsea on a four-and-a-half-year contract from New York Red Bulls last week.

Falcao, who was linked with a deadline day move to former club Atletico Madrid, has been named in Chelsea’s 25-man Premier League squad.