MILLWALL’S TICKET PLEA ‘ON SAFETY GROUNDS’
CLUB WANT ALLOCATION RAISED FOR FA CUP TIE AT SPURS TO STOP FANS INFILTRATING HOME END
MILLWALL have asked for an increased ticket allocation for their FA Cup quarter-final at Tottenham, partly to stop their fans trying to buy seats among home supporters.
Steve Kavanagh, chief executive at the League One club, argues that 4,000 tickets for away fans — rather than the initial suggestion of 2,800 — means the fixture would be less of a safety risk.
The number offered is significantly lower than the maximum allocation for away fans for FA Cup matches, which is normally 15 per cent of a stadium’s capacity. However, White Hart Lane is operating at a reduced capacity of about 31,500 while work on a new stadium is taking place and the FA have given the club dispensation to reduce the allocation to 13 per cent — just over 4,000.
Tottenham held talks with the FA, broadcasters and their local Safety Advisory Group, which comprises representatives from police, fire brigade, council and the club itself. After these talks, they settled on a figure of 2,800 for the tie, to be shown live on BBC One on March 12.
Kavanagh said: “To me, it wouldn’t be safe to not offer that number. It’s easier to control and manage fans within the confine of the grounds rather than having Millwall supporters trying to buy tickets in the Tottenham end.
“We want Millwall fans in an area together where they can enjoy the game in a safe environment.
“They ’ve given us their initial thoughts based on what their Safety Advisory Group believe the allocation should be. We have challenged that and requested more. I want to get as many Millwall fans in there as possible, as it is a huge game for the club. It’s only right that our fans are given a fair chance to get a ticket.
“We’re aware that Wycombe received 4,000 [in the fourth round] and Aston Villa were offered 4,000 [in the third round]. We think we should get the same allocation as those clubs.”
Spurs are aware of the complaints made by Leicester City to the FA after their defeat at The Den in the fifth round. The Premier League champions said their players, staff and supporters had been subjected to “constant abuse, provocation and intimidation” at Millwall. The League One club expressed their disappointment that these concerns had not been raised on
the day of the game. The level they have offered us so far has reduced [the allocation] substantially. I don’t think it should be that level,” Kavanagh told the News At Den website.
“I have queried that and we’re in discussions. I’m hopeful that we’ll be able to get a slightly higher allocation than we’ve been given so far.”
The FA cannot over-rule the Safety Advisory Group because it is a health and safety matter.
Meanwhile, Lewisham Council last night gave the go-ahead for an independent inquiry into its controversial plans to seize land around The Den.
The Bar Council, which represents barristers in England and Wales, will be asked to appoint a QC to lead the investigation into circumstances surrounding the proposed compulsory purchase order. It is unlikely to start until April and could last for at least six months.
A spokesperson for Lewisham Council said: “Once the inquiry is complete, the outcome will be reported to full council.”