IT'S NOT FUNNY ANYMORE

Last updated : 16 March 2004 By editor

Manchester United have had their FA Cup semi-final ticket allocation slashed by 1,500.

Licensing officials are concerned that the United fans' tendency to stand throughout matches raises a genuine safety issue and, rather than have to deal with a potential problem on the day, have opted to cut the number of tickets available to the Old Trafford outfit.

Each individual row has been checked and any seat deemed to be unsafe will now be left empty. Arsenal's 18,400 allocation remain unaffected.

The Football Association and Manchester United have refused to comment on the matter but Michael Meade, vice-chairman of the Independent Manchester United Supporters' Association, expressed his disgust at the move.

'We are bitterly disappointed at this decision as it robs a significant number supporters of the chance of attending the game,' he said.

'If the standing issue is such a big thing, why wasn't our allocation cut for the FA Cup tie against Aston Villa earlier in the season.That game passed off without incident and I am sure there would be no problem at the semi-final either."

'Once again, we feel United supporters are being singled out. You only have to look at the Clock End when Arsenal are at home to realise fans standing is not something unique to Old Trafford and we would urge the authorities to look at this matter again.'

Oh and just to cheer you up, our prices are more expensive than those being charged at OT for the other semi!!