Arsenal were given a £500,000 ban for breaking FA Cup rules ahead of their third-round tie against Manchester United in January. The disagreement revolved around the allocation of United’s away tickets. The Red Devils were given 8,000 fewer seats on Emirates than they were originally entitled to. According to FA regulations, visiting clubs must be allocated a maximum of 15 per cent of the ground’s capacity, which exceeds the proportion required for Premier League matches.
United lodged a complaint with the FA after not receiving up to 9,000 tickets, but Arsenal cited security concerns as the reason. The Safety Advisory Group has argued that Emirates’ upper decks cannot be used for away fans due to concerns about continued standing. Now, nine months after the match was played and United won on penalties, the FA have given their verdict.
A statement read: “Arsenal FC is suspected of breaching Rule 192 of the FA Cup for the 2024-25 season and the matter has been referred to the PGB (Professional Game Board) for consideration.
“The PGB has concluded that Arsenal FC are not in compliance with FA Cup Rule 192 for the 2024-25 season and has imposed a suspended fine of £500,000.
“The fine will be suspended until Arsenal FC is satisfied that it can comply with this requirement for the FA Cup third round of the 2025-26 season and that it can continue to do so for future rounds of this season’s competition.”
This ruling means that the long-running dispute between the clubs has finally come to an end. United also won on the pitch, winning on penalties after a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes and extra time.
Ruben Amorim’s team defeated Leicester 2-1 at home to advance to the fourth round. But the Red Devils’ progress came to an abrupt halt when Fulham won on penalties at Old Trafford in the fifth round.
Arsenal and United clashed again in March, ending in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. They faced each other again in Manchester on the first day of the new season, with the Gunners winning 1-0.
The next fixture will be on the weekend of January 24th, unless another FA Cup match is scheduled. Arsenal currently lead the Premier League with 16 points from their first seven games.
United, on the other hand, have had a difficult start to the season but are languishing in 10th place. However, they have managed to win three of their last five games and are looking forward to next Sunday’s trip to Anfield to face arch-rivals Liverpool.
Mikel Arteta and his team will be able to rely on Arsenal’s support as they aim to win the title ahead of Liverpool, who came so close last year. The Premier League is currently suspended due to the international holiday.
