Arsenal slammed by Manchester United fans for reducing FA Cup allocation on 'ridiculous' safety grounds

Manchester United supporters have expressed their anger at Arsenal for reducing their FA Cup away allocation.

The Premier League giants meet in the FA Cup fourth round and, under competition rules, United fans should occupy 15 per cent of the Emirates, or 9000 seats.

But Arsenal, citing safety concerns over fans standing in the upper tier, are only giving United just over half of the allocation, 5233, and the move has been ratified by the FA.

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United, according to the Mail, are dismayed at Arsenal’s decision but have no choice but to accept it due to safety concerns being expressed.

With the game just nine days away, they also need to start the ballot for away tickets quickly so that fans can make plans.

Manchester United Supporters’ Trust have been understandably more vocal in their criticism, calling it ‘ridiculous’ and saying that it harms the tournament.

“For Arsenal to offer little over half the proper allocation is a joke. And to say away fans cannot be in an upper tier, where they are at many league grounds, is ridiculous. ”

“What makes the FA Cup special is the larger away allocations than you get in league games. This creates the unique stadium atmosphere so beloved of the FA’s premier cup competition,” a statement said.

“For Arsenal to offer little over half the proper allocation is a joke. And to say away fans cannot be in an upper tier, where they are at many league grounds, is ridiculous. ”

“What’s more, this needs to be sorted now. 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.

“We need to keep the FA Cup special, and that means making Arsenal stick to the full away fan allocation.”

That is a stance that has been backed up by their Arsenal counterparts, who cite the fact that if the game went to a replay, they would want 15 per cent of Old Trafford to be Gunners fans backing their sides.

“One of things that was/is special about FA Cup is the large away allocation,” they said on Twitter.

“Set at 15 per cent in rules. Creates great atmosphere and differentiation to Premier League. So frustrating to see this under threat at Emirates for MUFC cup tie.

“Should there be a replay we would want 15 per cent of Old Trafford to support our team. The continual attack on rights of all away fans does nothing to help football as a live match experience.”

It is not the first time that Arsenal have cut ticket allocations for ties with Premier League clubs, despite the FA saying that it should only happen in exceptional circumstances.