Fans brave chill for cup tickets
DALE fans braved freezing conditions to get their hands on tickets for this weekend’s FA Cup clash with the superstars of Tottenham Hotspur.
Hundreds of fans queued in the snow and ice on Monday morning as FA Cup fever hit the town.
Tickets went on general sale at 9am.
But eager fans wanting to get a glimpse of the likes of Harry Kane, Deli Ali and Christian Eriksen began turning up 90 minutes early.
Dale chief exec Russ Green was hand to make the brews to help them ward off the arctic conditions.
Demand for tickets was so great Dale officials were forced to open the club shop to cope with the rush.
Writing on Facebook the club said: “Dale fans have braved the conditions this morning to purchase tickets for Sunday’s #EmiratesFACup fifth round tie against Tottenham Hot- spur!
“The Chief Exec was on tea and coffee duty from half 7 this morning for fans already queueing!
“Tickets are selling fast so make sure your purchase ASAP! #RAFC.”
Sunday’s game, which is being shown live on the BBC, is one of the biggest in the club’s recent history.
More than 1,000 tickets were snapped up within hours of them going on limited sale last week.
League One Dale beat Championship side Millwall to set up an enticing tie with the Premier League team.
But the build-up has been marred by controversy over the state of the Crown Oil Arena pitch.
Last week Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino had said the muddy, heavilysanded surface was “a massive risk to players” and “not in a condition to play football”.
Saturday’s league game against Fleetwood was also postponed.
In a statement the club said: “Preparatory work had taken place prior to the scheduled Fleetwood fixture in the eventuality that the game should fall foul of the weather. Plans will now be put into action immediately.
“Work will commence on Saturday evening and will be finished in time for next weekend’s FA Cup fifth-round tie against Tottenham Hotspur.”
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