Ticket Allocation Cut For Roses Clash

Last updated : 24 September 2003 By Kevin Markey

Leeds will give them just 1300 tickets for the first encounter at Elland Road on October 18th, with Leeds getting 1900 for Old Trafford on February 21st.

There was trouble at Elland Road and Old Trafford last season and after discussions between the two clubs, it was decided that cutting the number of visiting fans attending the games was the most sensible course of action.

"Both clubs have taken the decision to cut their respective ticket allocations reluctantly and are aware that the moves penalise the many decent, law-abiding football supporters who peacefully attend the games," said a joint statement released on behalf of the Barclaycard Premiership duo.

"But Manchester United and Leeds United believe that given the behaviour of a small but sizeable minority of away fans at previous games between the two teams, this is the best course of action to avoid further incidents of hooliganism and public disorder and to protect public safety."

The clubs have said if the two matches pass off peacefully this season, their full allocations will be restored for the 2004-05 season.