- Manchester United travel to Arsenal in the FA Cup third round this Sunday
- United had complained that the Gunners failed to give them a full away allocation
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Manchester United‘s ticket row with Arsenal has escalated – with the visitors now asking for the missing part of their allocation for Sunday’s FA Cup tie to go to NEUTRALS.
Mail Sport revealed that United had complained to the FA after their hosts failed to provide them with the 9,000 seats they were entitled to under competition rules.
Instead, the Gunners – citing safety concerns – were only offering short of 8,000, much to the frustration of Old Trafford officials.
United are understood to have subsequently offered to handpick recipients of the disputed 1,000 seats, which are in an upper tier of the 60,000-capacity Emirates.
They had also wanted to suggest to safety officials that they offer the tickets in question to families and children selected from the club’s charity arm for the 3pm kick-off.
However, their efforts were thwarted and with days to go until the fixture, and no movement from Arsenal, United have contacted the FA with a unique plan.
Manchester United’s ticket row with Arsenal has escalated ahead of their FA Cup clash
Arsenal failed to give United their full 9,000 away allocation for the game at the Emirates
United have called on the FA to give the missing part of their allocation to neutral supporters
They have asked if the tickets in question could be allocated to neutrals selected by the FA itself. The suggestion from United is that the opportunity could be used to give those who do not often have the ability to attend games, such as emergency service workers and those involved with FA grassroots projects, the opportunity to watch a fixture between two of the country’s biggest clubs.
While United declined to comment, it is thought that if this final plea falls on deaf ears and the seats remain empty, they would expect Arsenal to cover the cost, with gate receipts in the FA Cup subject to a split between clubs.
The club have been determined to act on behalf of its fans and remains of the view that there is no reason for a full allocation not be handed over.
Last season, Liverpool faced similar issues when they were picked out of the hat to face the Gunners. Initially, they were offered just 5,200 tickets but eventually settled for 7,600 amid fears of persistent standing in the upper tier.
Arsenal also declined to comment, although it is though they are examining ways in which the community could benefit. Under FA rules, away clubs are entitled to 15 per cent of the venue’s capacity. As it stands, United’s allocation would total around 13 per cent.
With the clock ticking, FA officials say they are aware of the situation and are working with both clubs to find a solution.