Manchester United fans have expressed their outrage after discovering that Arsenal is offering a reduced ticket allocation for the FA Cup fourth-round match next week.
Away clubs are entitled up to 15 per cent of the stadium capacity, according to the competition guidelines. Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium has 60,000 seats, meaning United should expect around 9,000 tickets.
However, Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST) said they have been informed that Arsenal are offering only 5,000 tickets, citing “safety reasons”.
“What makes the FA Cup special is the larger away allocations than you get in league games,” a MUST spokesman said, according to Reuters.
“For Arsenal to offer little over half the proper allocation is a joke. The game is just 10 days away and at present United are unable to sell tickets to their fans. Supporters need to make arrangements for a fixture which has already been shifted to an inconvenient Friday night kick-off time.”
Arsenal’s supporters group has also spoken up about the allocation, stating that they would expect a full allocation in case of a potential replay at Old Trafford.
“Set at 15 per cent in rules. Creates great atmosphere and creates differentiation to PL (Premier League). So frustrating to see this under threat at Emirates for MUFC Cup tie,” the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust wrote on Twitter.
Reuters reports that Arsenal said the allocations have been set following talks with its Safety Advisory Group.
“Ticket allocations are based on ongoing safety assessments and in consultation with our Safety Advisory Group, which includes representatives from the local authority and police,” an Arsenal spokeswoman said.
Arsenal and United are the most successful clubs in the FA Cup, with 13 and 12 wins, respectively.
Image: Arsenal mjh
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