Manchester United fans are threatening legal action over the decision to reduce their tickets for the trip to Chelsea next week.
The Manchester United Supporters Trust Fund want more tickets for fans after the club’s allocation was reduced to 2,370 due to policing concerns.
The group issued a letter to Hammersmith & Fulham Council objecting to the decision.
“For a Supporters Trust to engage lawyers is always a last resort, but enough is enough,” it read.
“United fans, and football supporters in general, have had their fill of being on the receiving end of unfair and irrational decisions by councils and the police who seem to consider us to be a public order problem rather than ordinary people freely enjoying a day out.
“Tickets had been sold for this game, and fans are being treated like second-class citizens.”
MUST’s letter pointed out there is no history of significant disorder at previous matches, including fixtures that had a late kick-off.
The Metropolitan Police claim that television commitments prevented the ‘high-risk’ fixture from starting by 4.45 pm (BST) on the rearranged date.
This is the agreed cut-off time with London clubs on weekends for safety reasons.
The Premier League confirmed last week the match will kick off at 5.30 pm on Saturday, October 22. The game was due to be played the following day at 4.30 pm.
They moved it because of Chelsea’s Champions League fixture the following Tuesday.
“Our first priority in policing football – and the increasing crime and disorder associated with it – is the safety of fans and those who live and work in the local community,” said the Met.
The Chelsea Supporters Trust (CST) backed MUST’s position by criticising the ticket allocation.
