• FA Cup

Arsenal back down over Liverpool ticket prices

Arsenal have confirmed that their FA Cup fifth-round clash at home to Liverpool will be a Category B fixture, rather than falling under the more expensive Category A bracket.

Following the draw for the next round of the competition made on Sunday, Liverpool supporters' group Spirit of Shankly wrote to both the Gunners and its own club requesting consideration be given to the pricing of away tickets for the Emirates clash.

The letter, backed by the Arsenal Supporters' Trust, expressed concerns about Reds fans having to pay up to £93 to see the game, should it be deemed as a Category A fixture as it would be normally.

Spirit of Shankly also raised the issue that fans may be hit by a later kick-off time, due to the potential for live television commitments, thus having an impact on their journey back to Liverpool.

However, following an internal consultation, Arsenal have decided against designating the tie Category A status - meaning the expected 9,000 visiting Liverpool supporters can expect to pay no more than £54, with many seats available for £35.50.

A statement read: "Arsenal has announced that the forthcoming FA Cup fifth-round tie against Liverpool will be classified as a Category B fixture. This match would normally be designated as an A category game.

"However, after the FA Cup draw was made on Sunday, the club considered a wide range of factors, including our Cup draws to date and our forthcoming fixture schedule, and has decided to make it a B category match."

The tie will be played at the Emirates Stadium on the weekend of February 15/16, with a final date expected to be announced soon by the FA.

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