UNITED ALLOCATION SLASHED

We presume it’s from 1977 otherwise what justification for it can there be? With all the cameras and police at matches these days and basically the authorities are telling us they can’t control these situations? And we won’t even go into the lunacy of the decision to reduce United’s allocation at Leeds when the tickets are on open sale at Elland Road.

Manchester United Statement, 23rd September, 2003.

It has been confirmed today that Manchester United’s ticket allocation for the game away at Leeds United on October 18th has been reduced to 1,600.

This is due to a decision taken by the local council’s Safety Advisory Group in conjunction with the local police and Leeds United in response to the serious public disorder which took place at last season’s corresponding fixture.

After discussions between Manchester United and Leeds United, it has been agreed that Leeds United’s ticket allocation for the game at Old Trafford in February will be reduced to 1,900. This is also to reduce the likelihood of a repeat of the serious disorder which accompanied the visit of Leeds to Manchester last season.

Both clubs have taken the decision to cut their respective ticket allocations for visiting fans reluctantly, and are aware that the moves penalise the many decent, law-abiding football supporters who peacefully attend the games.

However, 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 disorder and to protect public safety.

In both cases, those tickets that have been withdrawn from the away club’s allocation will be sold to home fans at Elland Road and Old Trafford.

It has been agreed by both clubs that if away fans at this season’s game behave in a peaceful manner then a reinstatement of the full ticket allocations will be considered for next season.